Own Reward – In Gita Verse 18.40 There is no being existing, either here or among the demigods in the higher planetary systems, which is freed from these three modes born of material nature.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 18.40, Krishna elucidates to Arjun that no being, whether on earth or among the demigods in the higher planetary systems, is free from the three modes of material nature. This profound statement underscores the omnipresence of these three qualities – sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance) influencing all beings.
This raises an intriguing question about Krishna Himself, who was physically present on earth while imparting this wisdom. Does Krishna, too, fall under the influence of these three modes of material nature? The answer lies in understanding the concept of transcendence. Krishna, being a divine entity, transcends these three modes. This state of transcendence is often referred to as Turiya, the fourth stage, where one goes beyond all material qualities and becomes a part of the Creator Himself.
For those who transcend these three modes, their existence is beyond the physical realm. Although they may appear to be on earth, they are not bound by earthly limitations. They are seen but not truly present in the material sense. They are not creatures confined by material nature; rather, they become the very source of life, embodying divinity.
The three types of happiness – sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic – bind living beings to the material world. However, those who transcend these qualities move beyond creation and align themselves with the Creator, achieving a state of being that is beyond all qualities.
To understand and transcend these three modes, one must first recognise their influence in their own life. If one’s life is dominated by tamas (ignorance), they should strive to elevate themselves towards rajas (passion). If rajas dominate, the goal should be to move towards sattva (goodness). Ultimately, the aim is to transcend even sattva and reach the state of Turiya, the transcendental stage, which is the ultimate destination.
Transcending nature equates to becoming divine. Krishna’s teachings emphasise not the renunciation of action but the renunciation of attachment to the fruits of action. He advises against performing actions with a motive or an eye on the results. This distinction between action and the fruit of action is crucial. Wise individuals advocate for detachment from the results to ensure that actions are genuine and complete in themselves.
The pertinent question then becomes: How does one work without attachment to results?
To grasp this concept, it is essential to differentiate between two kinds of actions. The first type is future-oriented, where actions performed today are driven by the desire to achieve something tomorrow. This type of action is akin to being led by a rope tied to the neck, dragging one towards an uncertain future. The future, being unknown and non-existent, is merely a hope or expectation, causing individuals to live in a perpetual state of anticipation.
The Sanskrit term for animal, “pashu,” derived from “pash” (bondage), aptly describes this condition. Humans, like animals, become captives of the future, living in hopes and dreams of what is yet to come. This future-oriented mindset prevents one from truly living in the present, leading to a life unfulfilled and full of regret at the end.
The second type of action is not driven by future expectations. It is spontaneous and natural, arising from one’s true self rather than from a desire to achieve something. For example, picking up a dropped umbrella and returning it to its owner without expecting gratitude or recognition is a spontaneous act. If, however, one feels hurt by the lack of thanks, the action loses its spontaneity and becomes tainted by expectation.
True spontaneous action is free from the desire for results. It is complete in itself, like a circle, and does not seek fulfilment from external sources. This is the essence of Krishna’s teaching on action without attachment to its fruits. Such action is self-fulfilling and its own reward, bringing immense joy and bliss.
In Krishna’s vision, action without attachment to its results is so complete and total that it needs nothing beyond itself. It is fulfilling in the moment and serves as its own end result. This form of action is its own reward, embodying the principle of selfless service and true detachment.
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