Playful Attitude – In Gita Verse 18.45 By following his qualities of work, every man can become perfect. Now please hear from Me how this can be done.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Verse 18.45, Krishna emphasises that by adhering to one’s natural qualities and duties, every individual can achieve perfection. He urges us to listen attentively to understand the method by which this ultimate success can be attained. Essentially, Krishna advocates that our daily activities, when performed with awareness and dedication, become a form of worship. There is no need for external rituals or offerings; our work itself should be our devotion.
Krishna advises against being swayed by the allure of distant, seemingly more attractive opportunities. It is a common human tendency to believe that others are in a better position than we are, but this perception is often misleading. We see only the external facade of others, not their inner struggles and pains. This illusion creates a sense of dissatisfaction and envy, leading us to believe that we would be happier if we were in someone else’s shoes.
People often dress up and present a happy exterior, masking their internal turmoil. This creates a deceptive appearance that everyone else is happy while we alone suffer. It’s important to remember that everyone has their own set of challenges and pains, which are not visible from the outside.
Krishna’s message is clear: do not be misled by appearances. The grass always seems greener on the other side, but this is an illusion. Even those who seem to be in enviable positions, like emperors, can feel discontent and envy. The story of Napoleon illustrates this point well. Despite being a great emperor, Napoleon was deeply troubled by his short stature, especially when compared to his taller soldiers. This inadequacy affected him profoundly, demonstrating that external power and success do not necessarily equate to internal contentment. Similarly, Pandit Nehru’s subconscious need to appear taller in photographs with Mountbatten highlights how even the most powerful individuals are not immune to feelings of inadequacy.
Krishna advises us to focus on our own duties and responsibilities, which we have acquired over many lifetimes. These duties are aligned with our natural tendencies and skills. If we are unhappy in our current roles, taking on unfamiliar tasks will likely lead to even greater dissatisfaction because we are not accustomed to them.
Acting with awareness in all our activities is crucial. Whether we are writing, digging, working in an office, or performing any other task, doing so with full awareness transforms the act into a form of meditation. Acting without awareness is a waste of time and energy. Awareness brings efficiency and reduces the dissipation of energy, allowing us to remain fresh and energised throughout the day.
Awareness in action is not just about efficiency but about transforming the quality of life. A Buddha, for instance, can turn each moment into a profound experience, regardless of the task at hand. This approach is not about the quantity of time spent but the quality of attention and intention invested in each moment.
We are creators of our time, space, and environment through our actions. Therefore, regardless of one’s position in life or the nature of their work, there is no excuse for not integrating meditation and mindfulness into daily activities. Meditation does not require extra time; it requires a deep understanding and awareness that can be applied to any task.
The attitude with which we approach our tasks significantly impacts our experience. A task performed as a duty can be exhausting, but the same task approached as a play can be refreshing. This shift in perspective is essential. Meditation helps transform our mindset, making all activities a form of play rather than work.
Children, who approach everything with a sense of play, are never exhausted despite their constant activity. This playful attitude is something we can learn from and incorporate into our own lives. As society evolves and automation reduces the need for traditional work, the concept of work as divine duty will become obsolete. Instead, leisure, pleasure, and play will become central to our lives.
Meditation fosters a new sense of innocence and festivity, turning life into a continuous celebration. It is not about finding extra time for meditation but about integrating a meditative attitude into our daily activities. By doing so, we can transform our work into a pleasurable and refreshing experience.
Krishna’s teachings encourage us to remain present and approach our tasks with a meditative mindset. This approach not only prevents exhaustion but also enhances our efficiency and enjoyment. Ultimately, life becomes a joyful play rather than a burdensome duty.
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