Non-Being – In Gita Verse 4.14 There is no work that affects Me; nor do I aspire for the fruits of action. One who understands this truth about Me also does not become entangled in the fruitive reactions of work.
In the Bhagavad Gita Verse 4.14, Krishna imparts a profound lesson on the nature of actions and desires, elucidating that he himself is untouched by the fruits of actions. This teaching holds a mirror to our own lives, inviting us to embrace a state of being where actions are performed without attachment to outcomes. Krishna’s wisdom suggests that by understanding and embodying this principle, we too can attain liberation from the entanglements of desires and the burdens they bring.
Imagine setting out for a morning walk, not with the intention of reaching a destination, but simply for the joy of walking. In this scenario, the walk itself becomes an end, a delightful engagement with the present moment, free from the pressures of achieving a specific goal. Contrast this with an afternoon trip to the shop along the same path; here, the journey is laden with purpose and expectation. The difference lies in the mindset: one is a carefree stroll, the other a task-oriented mission.
Krishna’s teaching highlights the distinction between play and work, where the absence of desire transforms action into play. This concept challenges our habitual way of living, where we often find ourselves ensnared by the future, constantly striving for results. We are conditioned to believe that actions must yield tangible outcomes, that the fruits of our labour lie in the future. Yet, Krishna invites us to consider the present moment as complete in itself, where each action is a fulfilment, not a means to an end.
This perspective aligns with the idea of purposelessness in existence. Consider the natural world: flowers bloom, birds sing, and celestial bodies move without any apparent purpose. Life, in its essence, is a flow, a dance of existence without the constraints of goals or destinations. Our human minds, however, struggle with this notion, as we are wired to seek purpose and meaning. We are often trapped in a cycle of anticipation, living for tomorrow rather than embracing today.
Krishna imparts wisdom to Arjuna, emphasising the importance of living in the present without fixating on outcomes. He embodies this philosophy by remaining present, reassessing circumstances, and acting with self-awareness. Through this teaching, Krishna suggests the necessity of being in a state of flow. By continuously moving as an observer, one avoids becoming entangled in either objective or subjective realms. This state of calmness prevents the mind from succumbing to haste or anxiety. When aligned with universal wisdom, the observer allows the universe to guide actions, utilising the body to fulfil its greater purpose.
Buddha’s teachings profoundly align with the notion of ‘Anatta’ or no-self, which views the self not as a static entity but as a transient flow. Why does Buddha advocate for this concept of no-self? It is because, by accepting non-being and embracing the void, the fear of death dissipates, allowing one to completely relinquish the self. This understanding enables us to release the ego, which often skews our perception of reality. Without the influence of the ego, we become like mirrors, accurately reflecting existence in its purest form, free from personal biases and desires.
Living in the present moment, fully engaged and without attachment to outcomes, brings a sense of fulfilment and readiness for whatever life presents. It is a state of being where the fear of death dissipates, for there is no unfulfilled longing, no unfinished business. Those who have truly lived are prepared to embrace the end of life with grace, having experienced the richness of existence in each moment.
Krishna’s teachings, along with those of other enlightened beings like Buddha, point towards the dissolution of ego as a path to liberation. By letting go of the ego, we open ourselves to the vastness of our true nature, akin to a river merging with the ocean. In this vastness, the ego cannot survive, and we experience a profound sense of unity with the universe.
The lesson here is to become a constant observer of oneself, to act with awareness and presence, without fixating on the results. This approach transforms life into a flowing, dynamic experience, where each moment is embraced for what it is, not for what it might lead to. In doing so, we align ourselves with the natural rhythm of existence, finding peace and joy in the simple act of being.
Krishna’s wisdom encourages us to transcend the limitations of the ego and to live fully in the present. It is an invitation to experience the boundless joy and freedom that come from releasing the desire for specific outcomes and embracing the beauty of the journey itself.
Tags: Non-Being
