By
BS Murthy
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Chapter -3:
Theory of Action
This chapter of 42 slokas, known
as karma yoga, Theory of Action, covers the whole gamut of action. It
is apparent that not all slokas here could be originals. It is
pertinent to note that Lord Krishna was unequivocal, in s 42- s45, and s53
of the previous chapter, about the fallacy of the Vedic rituals, and the
lack of wisdom in those that clamour for ceremonies, which promise rewards
here and in hereafter.
Given that postulation and going by the
contextual nature of this chapter that emphasizes action, the s9 -s16 that
eulogize the benefits of ritualistic sacrifices should be viewed. In this
context, it is pertinent to note that while describing the Omnipresence of
Supreme Spirit in chapter 10, it is postulated that among the Vedas, the
Supreme Spirit is Sama Veda, symbolizing music (s22), and not Rig Veda or
Yajur Veda, both associated with ritualism. And again, in (s25) of the same
chapter, it is averred that among the sacrifices, the Lord is tapo
yagjna, prayer muted, and not Asvamedha, the horse
sacrifice. Thus, these eight slokas seem to be clear interpolations.
However, in this interpretative verse, yagjna (sacrifice) is taken as
selfless effort, a synonym anyway. Besides, s17,s18 and s35 are not only
out of context but also break the continuity of the discourse. S24 is but
an analogy of s23 and thus is an interpolation. However, the readers may
note that these slokas, if interpreted in the ritualistic sacrificial
sense, would broadly convey that:
9. Man is not attached to his actions
performed in ritualistic sacrifices but all other actions bind him.
10. The Creator wanted mankind to prosper
through sacrifices, which shall be the milch cow of man’s desires.
11. Foster the gods through sacrifices
12. Fostered by sacrifices, gods would
bestow desired enjoyments, but they are thieves who do not return anything
to them (gods).
13. Those that partake the remnants of
sacrificial food are sinless.
14. Food that sustains mankind comes from
rains, which are but the outcome of sacrificial ceremonies.
15. Brahma is seated in sacrifice.
16. Who follow the above regimen would
attain moksha.
To
appreciate the background for these interpolations, one might refer to
‘All about Interpolations’
of this book. Such interpolative slokas in this and
other chapters of the text bear asterisks for ready identification. In what
could be a fascinating experience for the readers, these earmarked verses,
wherever they crop up, would bring them face to face with the logical
disconnect in the discourse. In the end, bypassing these would tend them on
the path of sequential thinking outlined by the Lord for the enlightenment
of man.
1
Thus spoke Arjuna:
Capping wants, if betters action
How come Thou then push for war!
2
Find I hard to grasp all this
Thou be forthright, what is
right.
3
Thus spoke the Lord:
Apply knowledge ’n be freed
Or thou make tango, with forgo
Precepts these yore, I fashioned.
4
Work-shy being, is no freedom
Dormant being, makes no living.
5
None like for man, non-action
Keeps him nature ever engaged.
6
Refrains if one, ever craving
Restraint it’s but misleading.
7
Reins as carnal, tucked in mind
Strive who doth in deeds excel.
8
Lest thee should stake survival.
Turn thy back
not on thy work
19
Ever thee act at par duty
Let that be thy goal of life.
20
Lead mankind in Janaka’s route
To moksha en route deeds selfless.
21
As and when thou prove thy worth
Emulates world then acts all thine. .
22
Left with none to gain or prove
Keep I Myself ever engaged.
23
Were I to fail to self-exert
Man might follow suit as well.
25
Strive as wise to act freely
Get bound unwise ever restrained.
26
Waste not breath, ill-informed with
Wise show ways through their own deeds.
27
Gloat as egotists of their deeds
Sourced are acts in one’s nature
28
Those that see the senses lie
Behind the deeds are truly freed.
29
Let go wise, who swear by
Joys of life that nature tends.
30
Act not with fear ’n favour
Unto Me leave, right ’n wrong.
31
Whoso takes this advice
Feels no burden ever engaged.
32
Who this lets go mindlessly
Gropes in darkness ever in life.
33
Beings as by nature ruled
In spite of their self-restraint
Wise too tend to lose their way.
34
Pays it to see grips avarice
Senses those thine nature tends.
36
Thus spoke Arjuna:
Why should one with right intent
Stray ever on
the wayward ways!
37
Thus spoke the Lord:
Well, it's passion, lust ’n wrath
Drag that man on path painful.
38
Flame ’n mirror as shrouded
Without let by smoke ’n dust
As well embryo in the womb
Wisdom is by wants clouded.
39
Wise all tend to cap all wants
Which like fire all burn to core.
40
Veiled off wisdom sees not man
Mind and body steeped in wants.
41
Rein in matter with thy mind
Thus thou nip thy wants in bud.
42
Score over senses sensuous feelings
Betters that mind, bettered by knowing
But above all Spirit that reins supreme.
43
Let thy Spirit
Rule the roost,
Restrain thou
Thy mind mischievous.
Ends thus:
Theory of Action,
The Third Chapter
Of Bhagavad-Gita
Treatise of self-help.
(cont...)
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