4,666
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 1:
Line 1: + + + + + + + +
Added Introduction and Summary with citation
Karma Yoga (Samskrit: कर्मयोगः) is the title given to the third chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. As the name suggests, the chapter enumerates the path of action (कर्म).
Karma Yoga (Samskrit: कर्मयोगः) is the title given to the third chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. As the name suggests, the chapter enumerates the path of action (कर्म).
== परिचयः || Introduction ==
In the previous chapters, in order to remove Moha or attachment, which was the sole cause of Arjuna’s delusion, Krishna taught him the imperishable nature of the Atman, the realisation of which would grant him the freedom of the Eternal. A doubt therefore arises in Arjuna’s mind as to the necessity of engaging in action even after one has attained this state. Krishna, in this chapter, clears this doubt by telling him that although one has realised oneness with the Eternal, one has to perform action through the force of Prakrti or Nature. He emphasises that perfection is attained not by ceasing to engage in action but by doing all actions as a divine offering, filled with a spirit of non-attachment and sacrifice.<ref name=":0">Swami Sivananda (2000), [https://holybooks-lichtenbergpress.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/BHAGAVAD-GITA-By-SRI-SWAMI-SIVANANDA.pdf Bhagavad Gita], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society, The Yoga of Action.</ref>
== अध्यायसारः || Summary of the Third Chapter ==
The chapter begins with a discussion on the need for action in answer to Arjuna's question. Krishna explains to Arjuna, that a person who has attained the vision of the supreme reality, need not engage in action, as he has already attained everything that has to be attained. He can be ever absorbed in the calm and immutable Self. However, to perform action for the good of the world and for the education of the masses is no doubt superior. Therefore, action is necessary not only for one who has attained perfection but also for one who is striving for perfection. In this context, Krishna quotes the example of Janaka, the great Rajarshi (sage-king) of India, who continued to rule his kingdom even after attaining realisation of the self.
Enumerating further, it is said that Prakrti or Nature is made up of the three qualities—Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. The Atman is beyond these three qualities and their functions. Only when knowledge of this fact dawns in a person does he attain perfection. Krishna tells Arjuna that each one should do his duty according to his nature, and that doing duty that is suited to one’s nature in the right spirit of detachment will lead to perfection.
Arjuna then raises the question as to why man commits such actions that cloud his mind and drag him downwards, by force, as it were. To this, Krishna answers that it is desire that impels man to lose his discrimination and understanding, and thus commit wrong actions. Desire is the root cause of all evil actions. And if desire is removed, then the divine power manifests in its full glory and one enjoys peace, bliss, light and freedom.<ref name=":0" />
[[Category:Bhagavad Gita]]
[[Category:Bhagavad Gita]]
[[Category:Prasthana Trayi]]
[[Category:Prasthana Trayi]]