Awareness Plus Action – In Gita Verse 18.19 According to the three different modes of material nature, there are three kinds of knowledge, action and performer of action. Now hear of them from Me.
In the Bhagavad Gita, it is articulated that every action comprises three distinct elements: knowledge, action, and the performer of action. Essentially, this means that our actions are a combination of awareness and execution.
Sankhya philosophy categorises knowledge, action, and the doer into three types based on their qualities. The mind connects the soul to the body, and as long as there is confusion between the knower, knowledge, and the known, this connection persists. Karma then links you to your body, others, and the world, emphasising that society judges your actions.
In societal terms, a sin is considered an act, whereas in religious terms, even thoughts can be sinful. This distinction highlights that crime is a sin manifesting as an act, while sin is a crime that remains a thought. Thinking itself can lead to action, making you equally culpable for sinful thoughts as you would be for sinful actions. Society restricts actions, while religion focuses on thoughts, aiming to prevent negative thoughts from turning into negative actions.
Religion delves deeper than societal norms, recognising that negative thoughts eventually lead to negative actions. These thoughts are seeds that, if not addressed, grow into actions that impact many lives. Therefore, it is crucial to neutralise negative thoughts before they manifest as actions. Destroying a thought is easier than undoing an action, which is irreversible.
The concept of witnessing is essential here. By becoming an observer of both actions and thoughts, you transcend the roles of doer and knower, becoming a mere witness. The knower is subtly a doer, claiming knowledge and action. In contrast, a witness remains detached, without any sense of self in the act of witnessing.
Sankhya philosophy further divides knowledge, action, and the doer into three qualities, asserting that everything in existence is composed of these three gunas. This division helps seekers understand how to progress on their path.
Satvik knowledge is characterised by seeing unity in diversity. It recognises that despite numerous forms and names, there is one underlying formless essence. When knowledge perceives this unity, it is considered Satvik.
To understand Awareness Plus Action, one must first grasp the nature of thinking. Reality is always present, accessible through direct experience, but thinking about it creates a barrier. Thinking is indirect, whereas seeing, feeling, and touching are direct experiences. Philosophers often miss reality by overthinking, while lovers, dancers, and singers can directly experience it.
A story illustrates this point: A Jewish philosopher named Yossel went to sell wheat and intended to send a telegram to his wife. He overthought each word, eventually crossing out everything and realising the futility of his overthinking. This demonstrates how thinking can paralyse action, as thinking is indirect while action is direct.
The world suffers because thinkers often do not act, and those who act do not think. This imbalance leads to chaos, as exemplified by historical figures who acted without thinking and philosophers who thought without acting.
The challenge for those seeking reality is to break the cycle of thinking while remaining aware. Fools do not think but lack awareness. The goal is to transform the energy of thinking into awareness, purifying consciousness and enabling direct action without the interference of overthinking.
Krishna emphasises the importance of cultivating awareness and taking action accordingly. He advocates for channelling the energy typically used for thought processes into fostering greater awareness. This shift promotes more conscious and intentional actions.
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