Transcend Inaction – In Gita Verse 3.22 O son of Pṛthā, there is no work prescribed for Me within all the three planetary systems. Nor am I in want of anything, nor have I a need to obtain anything – and yet I am engaged in prescribed duties.
Bhagavad Gita Verse 3.22 Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna that even though he has no duty to perform in the three worlds and there is nothing unattainable for him, he still engages in action.
Krishna’s actions are motivated by compassion, especially towards those who have not yet reached their spiritual destination. He tirelessly works to help others progress on their spiritual journey. Unlike ordinary individuals who act out of a desire to achieve something, enlightened beings like Buddha, Mahavira, Krishna, and Christ continue to act even after attaining enlightenment.
All of Krishna’s activities are driven by compassion for those who are still on their spiritual path. He tirelessly runs and searches for what he has already attained, so that others may also find it. Krishna works diligently to ensure that those who do not possess what he has can also strive towards their spiritual goals.
An avatar, or incarnation, is someone who has nothing left to attain or learn, yet remains among those who are still on their spiritual path. They are a beacon of light, guiding others towards spiritual growth while themselves being free from the cycle of desires and attachments.
Krishna emphasises that his actions are not for personal gain but for the welfare of others. Despite having completed his duties in the universe and having no further desires or goals to achieve, he remains engaged in action as a non-doer, detached from the ego-driven motives that typically govern human actions.
Krishna discusses the intricate concepts of action, inaction, and non-action in the context of personal development and spiritual growth. He emphasises that true action is carried out with a sense of ego, where the individual is driven by personal desires and motivations. In contrast, inaction refers to action performed without the presence of ego, where one acts selflessly and without attachment to the outcomes. Non-action, on the other hand, represents a unique form of action where things unfold effortlessly, without the need for a doer or a sense of intentional doing.
When we refer to inaction in the external world, it often signifies a lack of initiative or effort to address a problem, akin to being mentally lazy. However, through the practice of meditation and self-awareness, one can transcend their emotions and transform inaction into a state of being a non-doer. This shift allows for a more conscious and deliberate approach to action, where one can act without being driven by personal desires or attachments.
Non-action, as exemplified by God, transcends the limitations of ordinary human action. It is a state where actions occur spontaneously and effortlessly, without the need for personal effort or desire. Just as the body performs essential functions like breathing and circulation without conscious effort, non-action is a state of being where actions flow naturally without the interference of the ego.
Krishna reassures Arjuna that despite not being bound by any duties or desires, he continues to engage in action as a non-doer. He highlights the importance of self-awareness and conscious action in spiritual growth, emphasising that individuals have the choice to act either in ignorance or with enlightenment. Ultimately, the goal is to transcend the cycle of birth and death by cultivating higher consciousness and aligning with the divine will.
Krishna’s teachings in this verse emphasise the importance of selfless action, detachment from personal desires, and the realisation of one’s true nature as a spiritual being. By understanding the concepts of action, inaction, and non-action, individuals can strive towards enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of suffering.
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