TRUE RENUNCIATION
Arjun asked, ‘O Almighty! What is the purpose of sacrifice or renunciation? What does life of sacrifice or
renunciation gain one?’ Krishna said, ‘O Arjun! The renunciation is giving up of all the acts based on the worldly desires and surrendering the consequences or rewards of all actions is ‘sacrifice’. One who is able to do that becomes Ascetic Supreme.
I have said again and again that karma should be done without any desire for rewards. But it does not mean that one should give up all those acts as well which help us gain the sublime spiritual knowledge. O good Bharat! You should not give up the acts of yajna, charity and penance made or done with selfless sprit. Such acts further purify and enhance the wisdom of even nobles and sages. They be done as one’s duty.’
KARMA-FIVE CAUSERS
Krishna revealed to Arjun, ‘O valiant Arjun! For the accomplishment of all acts there are five causes. The first is the ground of karma (act) or body, second is doer, third is various organs, fourth is a set of efforts and fifth is God. Any act, good or bad executed by a man through his body, mind or speech is caused by these five causers. Any one who considers himself to be the sole causer or doer is not a wise man. He has little power of discernment. O Parth! The knowledge which enables you to see one indivisible soul in all physical diversities of life forms is the true wisdom.
A true Satvik (noble) is one who remains untouched by mundane situations and performs his karma without growing any false pride, with zeal and dedication and takes victory or defeat equanimously. O Arjun! Valour, power, resolve, skill, patience, generosity and leadership are the natural qualities of a martial race. In this hour due to infatuation you are refusing to accept the divine battle command of omnipresent God, me! O son of Kunti! I know that you will be forced to act according to your nature. Now you may do what you like.’ Arjun got lost in thoughts as Krishna fell silent.”
GLORY OF GITA
Sanjay spoke to Dhritrashtra, “King! The words of Krishna have sent waves of excitement through my body. The very thought of him gives me a divine pleasure. I can see Lord Krishna everywhere and feel his presence.” Dhritrashtra said getting upset, “Sanjay! What is Arjun doing now?” “King! Arjun has risen up in a determined mood. He is saying to Krishna, ‘O Krishna! O Achyuta!! Now my attachments and infatuations stand banished. No more confused I am.
You have driven away all my doubts. I now clearly hear the call of my duty. Please drive my chariot to the front of our battle formation’.” “Is he ready for battle?” Dhritrashtra asked. “Yes, Your Majesty. Now I can see Krishna and the Gandiva carrying Arjun all over the battle field. Where these two are there is glory, there is victory, splendour, divine powers and righteousness.” The battle lasted for 18 days. Pandavas emerged victorious in the end.
