Gita Sāra 8- परस्परं भावयन्तः श्रेयः परमवाप्स्यथ

 

In response to the question of how to perform a battle without the influence of attachment and aversion. Sri Krishna advises individuals to perceive the battle as an act of worship to the Supreme Lord. By adopting this perspective, they can transcend personal attachments and fulfill their duties with selfless devotion. This approach enables them to carry out their responsibilities without being entangled in the emotional fluctuations of attachment or aversion.

Yajna encompasses the principles of renunciation and service, where individuals let go of attachment to personal gains and dedicate their actions solely to the Supreme Being. It extends beyond the conventional understanding of ritualistic fire sacrifices and encompasses any act of service performed without seeking personal rewards. When acts of kindness and benevolence are carried out to please the Supreme Being, detached from the outcomes, they become Yajnas.

As human beings, we have a fundamental obligation to perform our duties as Yajna, expressing gratitude for the support and sustenance provided by the Supreme Being. We are constantly benefiting from the Supreme Being. We depend on the elements such as earth, water, fire, air, and space provided by the Lord. Our daily activities are based on the support of these beings who are the creators and the indwelling deities. As we constantly benefit from the transcendent power that governs the universe, it is essential for us to understand that we have the duty to serve in the form of His service. Acknowledging supremacy of the divine, we engage in actions that serve and uphold the harmonious functioning of the universe. Through virtuous deeds and acts of service offered to God, we contribute to the flourishing of divine energy and foster a conducive environment for the welfare of all.

The Supreme Being has created this world with the intention that each individual attains his latent, beautiful personality. And for that reason, He has bestowed upon us the sacred means of this perspective of Yajna. We must understand the purpose of this creation, the divine intention for our spiritual development, and align ourselves with His purpose by actively participating in the task of universal evolution. It would be an unpardonable offense if we receive blessings from the Supreme Being and yet fail to contribute to His cosmic work.

There might arise a doubt regarding whether performing sinful actions in the spirit of Yajna can alleviate the resulting sorrows and negative consequences. But we need to understand it is impossible to commit acts like theft, violence, or deceit without attachment and aversion. If one has devotion to the Supreme Being, it would be inconceivable to engage in actions that contradict His laws and commandments and then offer them to Him with ignorance and foolishness. We should perform actions in accordance with the scriptures that promote the welfare of society. If virtuous actions ordained by the scriptures are performed with selfish motives driven by attachment and aversion, they indeed become binding. Prohibited actions such as wicked deeds are always binding.

However, for the one who is immersed in the Supreme Being, experiencing the unique bliss through His realization, there is no obligation to follow any duties in the state of samadhi. Once he descends from samadhi, he becomes subject to the laws of duty. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of engaging in acts of service to the divine as an obligatory duty for the rest of humanity. It recognizes that not everyone may reach the state of samadhi or direct realization, where the obligations of duties are dissolved. Therefore, for the majority of individuals, it is essential to understand their responsibility to serve the divine through our actions. Let us strive hard to cultivate devotion and engage in selfless service, to align ourselves with the divine purpose and contribute to the greater welfare of the world with dedication and sincerity.

श्रीमध्वेशकृष्णार्पणमस्तु

✍️-Ashutosh Prabhu 

To be continued.