Be Lotus – In Gita Verse 4.18 One who sees inaction in action and action in inaction is intelligent among men, and he is in the transcendental position, although engaged in all sorts of activities.
In the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Verse 4.18 reveals a deep insight into the nature of action and inaction, challenging our conventional understanding of these concepts. Krishna speaks of the enlightened individual who perceives inaction within action and action within inaction. This perception is not merely intellectual but a profound realisation that elevates one to a transcendental state, even while engaged in worldly duties.
To grasp this concept, we must first understand what Krishna means by seeing inaction in action. It is a state of awareness where, despite being actively involved in various tasks, one recognises that the true self remains untouched by these actions. This is akin to being a witness, an observer who acknowledges that while the body and mind are engaged in activities, the soul remains a passive spectator. This understanding can be likened to the experience of eating; while the body consumes food, the awareness that ‘I am not the doer’ persists, revealing the deeper truth that the physical self is merely a vessel.
Swami Ram’s anecdote illustrates this beautifully. As he walked through an American street, people mocked him, yet he returned home laughing. When questioned, he explained that he found humour in the situation because he was merely a witness to the event. It was not he who was insulted, but the body and mind he inhabited. This detachment allowed him to remain unaffected, embodying the principle of seeing inaction in action.
Conversely, Krishna also speaks of seeing action in inaction. This is a more complex notion, suggesting that even in moments of apparent inactivity, there is an underlying dynamic presence. When one has mastered the art of witnessing, they realise that even in stillness, there is a profound engagement with the universe. This is because the individual has transcended personal desires and identifies with the cosmic order, recognising their unity with the divine. Thus, the winds, stars, and celestial bodies are perceived as extensions of one’s own being, moving and acting in harmony with the self.
The tale of Ram further elucidates this point. In his enlightened state, he claimed to have set the moon and stars in motion, not as an egoistic assertion, but from the understanding that his true self was one with the universal forces. This realisation comes from deep introspection and the dissolution of the ego, where the individual no longer distinguishes between personal and cosmic actions.
Krishna’s teachings invite us to transcend our limited perceptions of action and inaction. In the realm of karm yogis, those who perform their duties without attachment to outcomes, we find a practical application of this wisdom. These individuals engage in their responsibilities with dedication but remain detached from the fruits of their labour, offering them to the divine. As a result, their actions are free from karmic entanglements, embodying the essence of inaction within action.
Krishna advises maintaining independence from external influences and internal biases. Avoid becoming a follower and free yourself from personal judgements and anxieties. We exist in both an external world and an inner realm of identity and opinions. To truly connect with the universe, we must harmonise living with others and ourselves. Embrace the resilience of a lotus, flourishing even in adversity.
The Indian Tantra tradition offers a unique perspective through its transformative practices. The primary challenge in Tantra training is that it requires a man to transcend sexual attraction before engaging in intimacy with a woman. It teaches the sublimation of sexual energy into spiritual energy, guiding practitioners to transcend desires and achieve higher consciousness. This journey transforms lovemaking into a sacred ritual, recognising the divine within the partner and embodying action in inaction.
Krishna’s message is clear: to achieve true wisdom, one must rise above the dualities of action and inaction. This transcendence is not about renouncing the world but engaging with it from a place of deep awareness and detachment. When we act from this state, we experience bliss, love, and an expanded consciousness, harmonising with the universe.
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita inspires us to develop a witness-consciousness, enabling us to navigate life’s complexities with poise and balance. By embracing the paradox of action and inaction, we align ourselves with the divine, experiencing the profound unity of all existence. This journey requires patience and practice, but the rewards are immense, offering a glimpse into the eternal truth that lies beyond the realm of duality.
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