Third Chapter - Yoga of
Action
In
order to remove Moha or attachment, which was the sole cause of Arjuna’s
delusion, Sri Krishna taught him the imperishable nature of the Atman, the
realization 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.
This chapter opens with Arjuna’s dilemma. He asks Sri Krishna, “You maintain that knowledge is superior to action. Then why do you
ask me to engage in this terrible action? Tell me one definite path that will
take me to sreya, the highest spiritual Goal.”
Sri
Krishna clears this doubt by telling him that although one has realized oneness
with the Eternal, one has to perform action through the force of Prakriti or Nature.
He
emphasizes that perfection is attained not by ceasing to engage in action but
by doing all actions as a divine offering, imbued with a spirit of
non-attachment and sacrifice.
The
man of God-vision, Sri Krishna explains to Arjuna, need not engage in action,
as he has attained everything that has to be attained. He can be ever absorbed
in the calm and immutable Self.
But
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.
Sri
Krishna quotes the example of Janaka, the great sage-king of India, who
continued to rule his kingdom even after attaining God-realization.
Prakriti
or Nature is made up of the three qualities—Rajas, Tamas and Sattva. The Atman
is beyond these three qualities and their functions. Only when knowledge of
this fact dawns in man does he attain perfection.
The
Lord 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
raises the question as to why man commits such actions that cloud his mind and
drag him downwards, by force, as it were.
Sri
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. If desire is removed, then the divine power manifests in its
full glory and one enjoys peace, bliss, light and freedom.
Sri Krishna then gives the way out. Rise to a higher desire, the
lower will lose its hold over you. He concludes with a highly inspiring message
– Kill the formidable enemy in the form of desire by rising to the highest
desire, that of Self Realization.
The warrior in Arjuna is provoked and responds.
Love.
