(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)
What Determines An Action As Good or Bad is the Intention Behind The Act
अर्जुन उवाच |
ज्यायसी चेत्कर्मणस्ते मता बुद्धिर्जनार्दन |
तत्किं कर्मणि घोरे मां नियोजयसि केशव || 3.1||
Arjuna uvācha
jyāyasī chet karmaṇas te matā buddhir janārdana
tat kiṁ karmaṇi ghore māṁ niyojayasi keśhava|| 3.1||
Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 3- Ver. 1:
O Janardhana, Why do you urge me to fight this awful battle, if you believe knowledge is preferable to action?
Explanation
Action is neither good nor harmful in and of itself. The quality of action is determined by the aim or motive. The same activity could be beneficial if motivated by a desire to do good or horrible if motivated by a wish to harm.
Arjuna is concerned because, despite emphasizing the value of knowledge in Chapter two, Krishna urges Arjuna to combat. He doesn’t comprehend how Krishna could ask him to do something so horrible.
Arjuna has lost sight of the battle’s aim, which is to restore justice. Bhishma and Drona, however honourable, are on the wrong side of the conflict. Instead of getting wrapped up in his relationships, Arjuna needs to focus on the big picture. Arjuna is a warrior, after all. It is his responsibility to protect virtue and justice.
The Lord first explained knowledge of the immortal self in Chapter two. He then reminded Arjuna of his responsibility as a warrior; Shree Krishna disclosed the science of karma yoga and advised Arjuna to remove himself from the results of his labours after encouraging Arjuna to do his occupational duties as a Kshatriya.
He coined the term buddhi yoga, or Yoga of the Intellect, to describe the science of working without a desire for reward. He meant that the mind should be detached from worldly temptations by being controlled by a resolute intellect and that the intellect should be made unwavering by cultivating spiritual knowledge. He proposes that we let go of our attachment to the results of our deeds.
Verse & what we can learn
Our intention behind an action is what makes it good or bad but not the action itself.
What does the Gita say about action?
What does Krishna say about action?
What is the discipline of action Bhagavad Gita?
What is the yoga of action in the Bhagavad Gita?
Well, lot many questions pop up in the mind for which we will find answers in this chapter. Bhagavad Gita on action shows us the right perspective, we come across many concepts such as fruits of action meaning, one who sees inaction in action and action in inaction, what yoga of action is called and much more.
Either to perform an action or to have the right kind of thought process we should be disciplined in the physical as well as the mental level and should have control over the thought process and the mind which can be achieved only through the practice of daily meditation.
There are various types of meditation like Buddhist meditation, heartfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation, meditation for stress, and each meditation benefits are countless. There are 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 verse, Arjuna expresses his confusion to Shri Krishna.
Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…