Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 18: Mokṣha Sanyasa Yogam Verse 48:
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According To Shree Krishna, No Work Is Error-Free
सहजं कर्म कौन्तेय सदोषमपि न त्यजेत् |
सर्वारम्भा हि दोषेण धूमेनाग्निरिवावृता: || 18.48||
saha-jaṁ karma kaunteya sa-doṣham api na tyajet
sarvārambhā hi doṣheṇa dhūmenāgnir ivāvṛitāḥ|| 18.48||
Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 18- Ver. 48:
O son of Kunti, even if one recognizes flaws in one’s natural duties, one should not disregard them. In fact, every activity is hidden by some form of evil, just as a fire is by smoke.
Explanation
Sometimes people baulk at doing their duty because they find a flaw in it. No work is free from defects, according to Shree Krishna in this passage. The swa- dharma’s advantages vastly exceed its drawbacks. The main advantage is that it offers a convenient and peaceful way to elevation and purification. That is what Shree Krishna is urging Arjuna to do—to labour in accordance with his natural tendencies rather than forsake the task that is most suited to him, even if it has flaws.
Verse & what we can learn
Because no matter who performs the activities, they will never be perfect, perfectionism is a recipe for everlasting sadness. As we have already seen, a number of variables influence an action, such as the performer’s mental state, the tools they use, the environment they are in, etc. Expecting all these variables to come together in a way that ensures the action and its outcome are perfect is virtually impossible.
According to Shri Krishna, every endeavour, every effort, and every deed will inevitably contain some flaws, just as every fire will eventually have some smoke covering it. Therefore, there is no need in renunciating our deeds and obligations because they are flawed in some way. We must thus acknowledge this reality and keep doing our best work without placing undue emphasis on the outcome.
The discussion of karma yoga is completed with this shloka. If we remember well, Arjuna brought up this subject at the beginning of this chapter when he inquired as to the distinction between sanyaasa and tyaaga. Tyaaga was carefully examined and reinterpreted by Shri Krishna to signify karma yoga.
Tyaaga, or karma yoga, when joined with bhakti, is a method that leads to a goal. When properly applied, it frees us from our materialistic existence and sets us on the road to emancipation.
To acquire knowledge and to implement that knowledge in life one needs to be mentally and physically active and healthy and for that daily meditation is a great tool.
There are various types of meditation like Buddhist meditation, heartfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation, meditation for stress, and each meditation benefits are countless. There is also numerous meditation techniques for beginners which help in practicing daily meditation so go ahead and start your journey towards a peaceful and balanced life.
In the next shloka Shri Krishna says that in order for work to be elevating, it must be carried out in the right consciousness.
Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…