Karma Without Enmity – In Gita Verse 1.11 All of you must now give full support to Grandfather Bhīṣma, as you stand at your respective strategic points of entrance into the phalanx of the army.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 1.11, Duryodhana instructs all the Kaurava generals to provide full support to Grandfather Bhīṣma by stationing themselves at their respective strategic points in the army formation. He emphasises the importance of protecting Bhīṣma, considering him as the key to their victory. However, in his eagerness to secure this advantage, Duryodhana overlooks the presence of Krishna, whose influence and power far surpass that of Bhīṣma.
The directive given by Duryodhana should ideally have come from Dronacharya, his teacher and the commander of the army. There is a certain protocol and decorum to be followed when assigning responsibilities, and it is essential to show respect and honour to those in positions of authority. By bypassing Dronacharya and directly issuing instructions, Duryodhana displays a lack of regard for the chain of command and the established hierarchy within the army.
It is crucial to understand the balance between respect and individual will. While it is important to honour and respect figures like Grandfather Bhīṣma, one must also prioritise their own karma and will. Duryodhana’s insistence on following his own will above all else reflects his self-centred approach and disregard for the perspectives and choices of others.
The law of karma is not some philosophy, some abstraction. It is simply a theory which explains something true inside your being.
The unconscious person reacts: the conscious person acts. And if you can act consciously, TOTALLY in the moment, you don’t create any karma, you don’t create any structures. You always remain free; you always go on moving beyond the past. You go on slipping out of the past like a snake slips out of the old skin.
The Pandavas, on the other hand, demonstrate a different approach to balancing respect and action. They show respect even when they are required to act against individuals they hold in high regard. This ability to separate personal emotions from their duties allows them to perform their karma without enmity, maintaining a sense of love and respect towards others even in challenging situations.
Reflecting on past events, such as the incident involving Matsya and the demand for repeated punishments by Duryodhana, highlights the contrasting attitudes towards respect and karma. While Arjuna displayed respect and reverence towards Bhīṣma and Dronacharya during the conflict, Duryodhana’s insistence on his own will overshadowed any considerations of respect or honour.
Respecting others and recognising their subjectivity and differences is essential for maintaining harmonious relationships and interactions. This respect must stem from a deep understanding and acceptance of one;s own subjectivity, allowing for a fearless and grounded approach to life’s challenges.
The Pandavas also followed the principle of “Respect but do your Karma.” It is crucial to prioritise respect in all actions, as acting consciously and fully in the present moment can prevent the creation of any karma, whether positive or negative. When performing your duties, it is crucial to focus solely on the task at hand without allowing respect to interfere. This may involve challenging situations, such as fighting against elders, but it is essential to approach these tasks without harbouring any animosity. This principle can be challenging to uphold, but it is necessary for spiritual growth.
Aligning one’s will with the divine will, guided by individual subjectivity, enables actions to be carried out without enmity. This divine karma, performed with gratitude and a sense of purpose, transcends personal desires and ego-driven motivations.
In every situation, there is a choice to act from a place of subjectivity and gratitude. By refraining from reacting with ill feelings or emotions, and instead using challenges as opportunities to sharpen the intellect, one can transform adversity into growth and learning. Acting without enmity, and with a sense of gratitude towards the universe, allows for karma to be performed in a spirit of harmony and appreciation.
Ultimately, practising karma without enmity is a way of expressing gratitude towards the universe and embracing life’s challenges with a sense of purpose and grace. By approaching actions with respect, love, and gratitude, one can navigate through life’s complexities with a sense of inner peace and fulfilment.
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