(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)

Yoga is the Art of Working Skillfully Without Attachment

बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते |
तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योग: कर्मसु कौशलम् || 2.50||

buddhi-yukto jahātīha ubhe sukṛita-duṣhkṛite
tasmād yogāya yujyasva yogaḥ karmasu kauśhalam|| 2.50||

Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 2- Ver. 50:

In this life, one who prudently practices the science of work without attachment can eliminate both good and bad reactions. As a result, strive for Yoga, which is the skillful art of working in proper consciousness.

Explanation

Shri Krishna advised Arjuna in this Shloka that if one follows the Karma yoga path, i.e. practices svadharma with equanimity, one will not have to continually consider whether an action will result in merit or sin. In truth, one can go beyond the accumulation of good or bad deeds. What is the reason for this? We will not become attracted to merit or sin if we begin to distance ourselves from the effects or fruits of our deeds. Both merit and sin, like the outcomes of an action, are expectations for the future that have no place in Karma yoga.

We already learned that yoga is defined as “equanimity of mind throughout the performance of action.” Shri Krishna now taught Arjuna about another advantage of yoga. When one maintains mental equanimity at all times, one’s acts become faultless because they are carried out with complete attention and skill, with no distractions. As a result, there is no need to be concerned about the outcome. Without a doubt, the end effect will be good.

When people hear about the science of karma-yoga, they often ask if they give up their attachment to success, their performance will suffer. Working without personal incentive, according to Shree Krishna, does not lower the quality of our work; rather, we become even more skilled than before. Attachment to outcomes does not make us more skilled; rather, it harms our performance. Instead, we can work at our highest ability level without feeling frightened, jittery, scared, tense, or delighted if we operate without attachment.

You can choose between yoga and bhoga. Bhoga is a term that refers to behaviors that are motivated by a desire to create new desires. Desire gets in the way of getting what you want. You are miserable because of your want. Desire, on the other hand, is a barrier to God.

When you set the aim of Realization and dedicate your activities to it, you are doing yoga. You don’t make decisions based on your preferences. You also have no desire for the results of your actions. Then you are free of both good and ill vasanas, virtue and vice. When you are driven by negative desires, you amass negative vasanas.

Act following your positive desires and your good vasanas will grow. You shed both good and harmful vasanas by acting without cravings and dedicating your activities to the purpose of Self realization. You are free of desire and ready to meditate, the final stage on the path to Realization. As a result, immerse yourself in yoga. Proficiency in action is a method for letting go of wants and establishing oneself in Atman while acting in the world.

Yoga is a state of tranquilly. Yoga, according to Krishna, is competence in action. While the body is in dynamic action, the mind must be still. Acting in the world while remembering Atman is where the expertise rests. Every activity is focused on achieving the goal. You become involved in the world if you don’t. This leads to monotony and boredom.

Verse & what we can learn

Performing every action without attachment benefits us both materially and spiritually, this can be achieved through Yoga which is the art of working skillfully.

Yoga means union, union with the divine, this is possible when we are free from the dualities and meditation makes it possible for us to overcome and evolve ourselves to the next level.

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, Lord Shri Krishna tells Arjuna to abandon attachment of the fruits of actions.

Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…