Prescribed Duty – In Gita Verse 3.8 Perform your prescribed duty, for doing so is better than not working. One cannot even maintain one’s physical body without work.
Perform your prescribed duty as outlined by the scriptures. Engaging in your duties is superior to neglecting them, for without action, one cannot even sustain their physical body. The essence of duty is not merely about action but about conscious, deliberate engagement. Avoiding duty leads to deprivation and self-deception. Therefore, it is imperative to perform your responsibilities with full awareness and acceptance. Doing so ensures that your actions are aligned with your true nature and the principles laid out by those who have attained wisdom throughout history.
Krishna emphasises the importance of understanding and performing one’s duty as dictated by one’s own nature and the scriptures. The scriptures are not just books but are repositories of the collective wisdom of the Rishis. They provide a framework for understanding one’s role and responsibilities in life. This understanding is crucial for maintaining the harmony and balance of society.
Historically, society in this region was divided into four varnas or classes based on qualities rather than hierarchy. These divisions were horizontal, not vertical, and each class had its own set of duties and responsibilities. Over time, these divisions became hierarchical, leading to exploitation and social injustice. However, during Krishna’s time, the original intent of these divisions was still intact.
Krishna advises Arjuna to adhere to his swadharma, the duty inherent to his varna. Arjuna, being a Kshatriya, was trained and conditioned to be a warrior. His entire being, from his physical strength to his mental conditioning, was aligned with the role of a Kshatriya. To abandon this duty would lead to inner conflict and a sense of failure. It is better to perform one’s own duty, even imperfectly, than to perform another’s duty perfectly.
Each person has infinite potential, but only one path can be actualised in a lifetime. The division of society into varnas was a way to channel this potential effectively. While there were provisions for exceptions, generally, individuals were happiest and most effective when they followed the path for which they were prepared. Krishna could have advised Arjuna to change his varna, but he knew that Arjuna’s true nature was that of a Kshatriya. Any attempt to change this would lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of fulfilment.
The concept of varna also extended to the soul’s journey across multiple lifetimes. It was believed that a soul would seek a new life based on its past actions and thoughts. The system of varna made it easier for souls to find a suitable womb, thereby continuing their spiritual journey. This continuity allowed for specialisation and the development of skills and knowledge over many lifetimes.
Krishna’s advice to Arjuna is rooted in this deep understanding of human nature and the soul’s journey. By performing his prescribed duty, Arjuna would be aligning himself with the universal order and fulfilling his true potential. This alignment is essential for achieving the highest state of being and experiencing the ultimate truth.
Krishna further instructs Arjuna to act without enmity. This means performing one’s duty without attachment to the results and without harbouring negative emotions. This approach leads to self-awareness and a deeper understanding of one’s true nature. It is through action that one maintains the body and progresses on the spiritual path.
Karma Yoga, the yoga of action, begins with routine activities. Being self-alert during everyday tasks like walking or bathing helps cultivate awareness. Most people are preoccupied with thoughts of the past or future, rarely being present in the moment. Self-alertness involves being aware of the sensations in the body and the flow of energy within. This practice leads to a deeper awareness of one’s witnessing consciousness.
As one becomes familiar with this witnessing consciousness, they begin to understand their universal assignment. This understanding cannot be rushed; it unfolds over time, much like the process of education. Just as a student progresses from learning alphabets to choosing a field of study, a person progresses from routine actions to understanding their universal duty.
Witnessing is the essence of meditation. By observing the mind without judgement or interference, one separates themselves from their thoughts and experiences a state of alert awareness. This state of witnessing leads to a profound transformation, where the mind becomes empty of thoughts, and one’s energy becomes a flame of awakening.
Krishna’s advice to Arjuna is to perform his prescribed duty with a sense of detachment and awareness. By doing so, Arjuna would not only fulfil his role as a Kshatriya but also progress on his spiritual journey. This approach ensures that one’s actions are aligned with the universal order and leads to a state of inner peace and fulfilment.
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