The way of work: The Hindu

The way of work*

The way of work is difficult to understand, says Krishna. Even the wise are confused in interpreting what is the right course of action, karma, as against wrong action, vikarma, and also what is inaction, akarma.
Generally karma is understood as sastra-approved works and this applies to worldly as well as religious activities, pointed out Srimati Rukmini Ramamurthy in a discourse. Though traditionally upheld through the ages, it is subject to change depending on the place, situation and people. This has led to uncertainties and doubts about its true nature. Vikarma is action that has to be avoided. Akarma is broadly translated as inaction, but its significance is in the work that is done without ahamkara.
So Krishna advises that one should not quit work, but give up ahamkara. Ahamkara is a Vedantic truth that refers to the “I consciousness” in beings and is not to be confused with the sense of pride or ownership over material possessions. Generally the “I consciousness” which has to identify itself with the atma tends to superimpose itself on the anatma, that is the sthula and sukshma sariras. This creates in one the sense of doer-ship and also prompts the desire to work and attain something in life.
Viveka is the sense of discrimination in beings when one is able to distance oneself with the body and abide in the self. The wise work in a detached spirit and are relaxed in their minds. Aligned in their thought, word and deed, their acts are not motivated by desire; in fact they act with a sense of duty with their inner awareness on God. So their internal tranquillity is maintained by their detached attitude to whatever they do though they remain committed to it.
So here akarma means a state where one transcends the bonds of karma that would otherwise bind one. It is not abstaining from work.

*Source: Faith column, The Hindu, October 7, 2017

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NAVAGRAHA STOTRAM

NAVAGRAHA STOTRAM* According to astrology, the positions of the nine planets in the twelve constellations of the zodiac and their movements are considered to be quite significant. The nine planets ‘Navagraha’ affect every aspect of human life. They play an important role in the activities, physical and mental health and life of any individual. The unfavorable positioning of any of these planets can be the cause of problems, bad health, and stagnation for many people. However, there is a solution to avoid the ill effects of the position and movement of the ‘Navagraha’ in our lives. Navagraha mantras (or stotram) are simple mantras which work as powerful healing tools to reduce the negative effects of any of the nine planets. These mantras are Hindu holy hymn addressing the nine planets. Benefits Of Navagraha Stotram And The Way to Practice The Navagraha Stotram is written b y Rishi Vyasa and is considered to be the peace mantra for the nine planets. They are powerful m
Read more

THE SUNSET OF THE CENTURY

*SUNSET OF THE CENTURY: Rabindranath Tagore THE LAST SUN OF THE CENTURY SETS AMIDST THE BLOOD-RED COLOURS OF THE WEST AND THE WHIRLWIND OF HATRED. THE NAKED PASSION OF SELF-LOVE OF NATIONS IN ITS DRUNKEN DELIRIUM OF GREED IS DANCING TO THE CLASH OF STEEL AND THE HOWLING VERSES OF VENGEANCE. THE HUNGRY SELF OF THE NATION SHALL BURST IN A VIOLENCE OF FURY FROM ITS OWNSHAMELESS FEEDING FOR IT HAS MADE THE WORLDITS FOOD, AND LICKING IT, CRUNCHING IT AND SWALLOWING IT IN BIG MORSELS, IT SWELLS AND SWELLS TILL IN THE MIDST OF ITS UNHOLY FEAST DESCENDS THE SUDDEN HEAVEN PIERCING ITS HEART OF GROSSNESS…   *Note: “The Sunset of the Century”, translated by the poet, from Naivedya; The English Writings of   Rabindranathtagore, Volume II,Delhi 1996, page 466. Quoted in his article ‘Critiquing nationalism’ by K Satchidanandan (Frontline, November 14, 2014). The article takes you to a much broader spectrum. HAPPY READING(READ MORE STAN
Read more

The King of Ragas: Sankarabharanam

                       The King of Ragas                      --------------------------     Long ago  serpents were put to lot of hardships.They  were afraid of other animals. They had to seek refuge in the hermitage of sage Saraba.The sage was a true devotee of Lord Shiva.He used to pray Shiva with melodious songs. As he sang a particular raga the snakes were much inspired and they began to dance,. Slowly the serpents became friendly with the sage. They brought water in their mouths for the pooja.They secreted  a special fluid in which the flowers got stuck to their bodies.The sage was much astonished by the service of the snakes.As the sarpas became very close to the sage ,they requested him to help having Darsan of Lord Siva. As requested by the sage Shiva appeared in the form of  a  Kapalika and stayed in the ashram.The music and dance of the snakes continued. The snakes rendered service to the kapalika as they considered him  a Shiva bhakta.Shiva was much pleased with t
Read more