Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

Gita’s wisdom makes us strong enough to face any challenges of this world

Our internal thoughts and consciousness mostly determine how we see the world around us. We have almost no control on how people around us is going to behave with us and how the situations and circumstances are going to shape up. Sometimes everything may be as per our liking and sometimes just the opposite may happen.

If we are not internally strong and wise, then we will remain forever at the mercy of our surroundings.  So, it is important that we always remain prepared and alert to deal with any kind of people and any sort of situations.

Our consciousness shapes our vision. External world may not change for us or will never change for us but if we purify our consciousness then the way we see the world will drastically change.

Krishna transformed Arjuna’s life

Let us take the example of Arjuna. Just before the Mahabharat war he was in a pitiable situation. He was so overwhelmed with emotions that he was willing to leave the battlefield and was ready to live by begging.

Although he was a fearsome fighter, had defeated great warriors but he was not able to hold his bow and arrow, they were slipping from his hand, and he was not able to even stand properly. It was not that he had become fearful seeing the Kaurava armies who were his own relatives, but he was utterly confused about his duty.   

But he was fortunate because Krishna was with him. Krishna’s guidance transformed Arjuna’s life.

The external situation for Arjuna remained the same. He had to fight the war; he had to fight against his grandfather Bhisma, guru Drona and his cousin brothers. But Krishna’s timely intervention dispelled all his ignorance. He now knew what to do, what not to do and why to do. Arjuna’s consciousness changed and he became ready to battle against the mammoth army of Kauravas. He eventually became victorious in the gruesome war.

Gita’s timeless wisdom

The knowledge which Krishna gave to Arjuna is available with us in the form of Bhagavad Gita. If we read it and understand it then we will also be equipped with the knowledge to deal with the external world. Gita’s wisdom will transform us internally. It will make us internally strong, will help us to understand the world around us and most importantly it will help us to understand who we are.

If we imbibe the true spirit of Gita, then we won’t get bewildered when we encounter difficulties. Gita’s wisdom nourishes intelligence, strengthens will power and imparts discriminatory power. Armed with these weapons we can face the challenges of life with vigour.

Most importantly, this life transforming book teaches us that we belong to Krishna and if we live as per the teachings of Krishna then Krishna will always be there for us just as he was with Arjuna.

Three Reflections

• External world may not change for us or will never change for us but if we purify our consciousness then the way we see the world will drastically change.
• The external situation for Arjuna remained the same but Krishna’s timely intervention dispelled all his ignorance.
• If we live as per the teachings of Krishna, then Krishna will always be there for us just as he was with Arjuna.

Ask Yourself

• Do I get bewildered by how people around us behave with me?

Action Item

• Read 2^nd chapter of Bhagavad Gita and try to understand what Krishna says about the relationship we have in this world with different people.

How a devotee of Krishna observes maun vrat i.e. vow of silence

Silence has always been glorified.  So, it is expected that a devotee of Krishna should also observe the vow of silence i.e. maun vrat.

Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami, a renowned saint and author of Chaitanya Charitamrita, says that a devotee should have 26 qualities, “silence” is one of those noble qualities.

Many people keep maun brat i.e silence on a specific day. On that day they do not speak anything.  To communicate with others, they use hand gestures or pen and paper.

Once two persons observing maun vrat were sitting under a tree. On that day there was a cricket match. So, one person got up and went away. He came after some time. The other person who had remained sitting under the tree wrote on the sand with a stone, “What is the score?” The other person who had come just now took the stone and wrote the score of the match.

If this is how people observe maun vrat then what is the use of such a vow.

Maun vrat can help one to control the tongue but what about the mind? Does it help to control the endless chatter which goes on in the mind?

Our mind does not remain calm and quiet even for a single moment. Mentally we keep on talking to ourselves, we keep on contemplating on things like money, job, family, friends, politics, opposite sex, cricket match, soccer match and so on.

There are some meditation schools who teach to mediate on something null & void. According to them this will help to silence our mind. They say to think “nothing.” But “nothing” is also “something.” We can never empty our mind of the thoughts. This is impossible.

Real maun vrat or vow of silence

Scriptures say that real silence means “to not think of anything material” but to “think on only spiritual subject matters.” Out of 26, one of the qualities of a devotee as given in scriptures is that “a devotee is always surrendered to Krishna.”

Surrender to Krishna means to always think of Krishna and be always absorbed in Krishna.

So, real silence is to stop contemplating & speaking on unnecessary subject matters which disturb our mind. Instead of this we should contemplate on & speaking on topics which are related to Krishna.

Sravanam and kirtanam as the two processes of devotional service. Sravanam means to hear about Krishna and kirtanam means to always speak about Krishna. These two processes will take us closer to Krishna, the Supreme God.  

So, instead of wasting our precious time and energy thinking and speaking about unworthy subject matters let us use our tongue to chant the names of Krishna and sing the glories of Krishna. This is real silence.

And when we will engage in constantly chanting and hearing about Krishna then our mind will get flooded with Krishna Conscious thoughts. If it happens then we will lose taste for material sense gratification. We will not be interested in watching cricket matches or political news or movies.

There will be no need to observe artificial maun vrat and communicate with others with pen and paper. A devotee of Krishna observes maun vrat i.e. vow of silence by constantly chanting the names of Krishna.

Three Reflections

• Silence is one of the 26 qualities of a devotee.
• Maun vrat can help one to control the tongue but not the mind.
• Real silence or maun vrat is to constantly chant the names of Krishna.

Ask Yourself

• Do I mostly speak on non-Krishna Conscious subject matters?

Action Item

• Read Krishna book and start sharing Krishna’s pastimes with your friends and family members.

Krishna’s ray of love will blossom our consciousness

When Krishna’s ray of love will inundate our heart, our consciousness which is right now not Krishna conscious will become Krishna Conscious.

As a spiritual seeker we often find ourselves at loggerheads with our own thoughts. Although deep within our heart we try to come closer to God, but our past conditioning pulls us down. We find ourselves constantly being defeated by our own old bad habits which we had nurtured earlier knowingly or unknowingly.

Often finding ourselves torn apart between two divergent thoughts we start questioning our pursuit for spiritual upliftment. However instead of getting cowed down by the frequent setbacks which appears to be so defeating initially, if we keep endeavouring hard with determination then slowly the path of enlightenment will start opening.  

When a lotus flower is just a bud then it does not attract the attention and appreciation of others. But when the same lotus bud gets exposed to the moonlight then slowly it starts blossoming.

The petals start opening up and soon the bud becomes an attractive lotus flower. Its beauty and fragrance attracts even the saddest soul. Similarly, if we expose our heart to the chanting of the ‘Hare Krishna’ mahamantra regularly then our consciousness will too start blossoming like the lotus flower.

As the lotus blossoms in the glaring light of the moon similarly our consciousness will blossom when Krishna’s mercy will inundate our heart. Krishna’s all purifying holy names will cleanse our hearts of all unwanted thoughts and will fill it with lots of love and joy.

Take to Krishna consciousness for a joyful life

Right now, we are unwilling to say goodbye to our material mindset because we think that if we flush out our material desires then our life will lose its charm. In fact, without material desires, we think, we will become like a rudderless boat.

But truth is that when we bring Krishna in our life then we understand the eternal purpose of life. Bringing Krishna in life means inviting happiness and joy to remain with us forever.

A devotee absorbed in Krishna is always dependent on Krishna and Krishna makes sure that his devotee gets everything in his life.

Srila Prabhupada left everything and dedicated his life to Krishna and Krishna made sure that his pure devotee is never deprived of anything.

Srrivas Thakura would be constantly engaged in chanting the names of Krishna with Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Krishna gave his everything what he needed in his life.

So, if we too take to Krishna Consciousness then we should have complete faith that Krishna will nicely take care of us.

He promises this in Bhagavad – Gita (9.22), ‘But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form—to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have.’

The path to devotion to Krishna is path to perfection. The path to devotion is the only way to attain Krishna’s love. And when Krishna’s ray of love floods our heart then our consciousness will blossom and will become absorbed in Krishna.

Once our consciousness is blossomed then our heart will become an emblem of love constantly radiating love and joy in all the directions.

Quote: Bringing Krishna in life means inviting happiness and joy to remain with us forever.

Three Reflections

• Right now, we are unwilling to say goodbye to our material mindset because we think that if we flush out our material desires then our life will lose its charm.
• A devotee absorbed in Krishna is always dependent on Krishna and Krishna makes sure that his devotee gets everything in his life.
• When Krishna’s ray of love floods our heart then our consciousness will blossom and will become absorbed in Krishna.

Ask Yourself

• Am I struggling to become Krishna Conscious?

Action Item

• Identify one material desire which you do not want to give up.
• After identifying that desire write in 300 words that how your life will change if you give up that particular material desire.

Maya tests us to see if we are qualified to return back to the kingdom of Krishna

In our spiritual journey maya tests us to see if our heart is completely purified and we are qualified to return back to the kingdom of Krishna. Her tests are not easy but often quite difficult.

During a game, a player does not focus much on the strength of his opponents, but he focuses mostly on his opponent’s weaknesses. The player who effectively capitalizes his opponent’s weak points finally emerges victorious.

In our match with maya (Krishna’s illusory energy) we also face similar challenges. Maya does not focus much on our strengths but mostly on our weaknesses. We often find ourselves placed in a situation where we are most vulnerable.

For e.g. if we had the habit of getting angry very often then we may be put in a situation where we get to work with people who are short – tempered. If we had been lusty then sometimes, we find ourselves in a surrounding buzzing with people of opposite sex.

Since we are aiming for the best, so we have to be always ready for these tests. Krishna through maya tests our eligibility at each and every moment to ascertain our suitability to be part of the spiritual world.

In the spiritual world all the souls are joyfully and selflessly serving Krishna. There is no greed, no pride, no anger, no lust, no envy, no illusion and no false ego.   So, unless we cultivate these qualities we won’t be allowed to be part of Krishna’s abode.

While practicing devotion to Krishna, we have to be careful and if our goal is to go back to Krishna then we have to be extra careful.

Never leave the shelter of Krishna

Our senses can knock us down at any moment.

Bhagavad – Gita (2.67) warns us “As a strong wind sweeps away a boat on the water, even one of the roaming senses on which mind focuses can carry away a man’s intelligence”.

So, we need to guard our senses very carefully and work diligently to purify it. Any sort of material impurities will jeopardize our chances to return back home back to godhead. We need to thoroughly cleanse ourselves so that even a spec of material desire and filth does not remain in our heart.

If we have a desire to enjoy candy, then we will have to remain here, in this material world, to satisfy our desire to enjoy candy.

Spiritual world is meant for fulfilling Krishna’s desires, not our desires. In the kingdom of Krishna, devotees continuously work in this direction.

Maya will again and again test us to find if our heart really longs for Krishna or we are still obsessed with ourselves.  Sometimes she will expose us to an environment where there will be great opportunity for sense gratification. Other times she will put us in difficult situations which will tear us apart.

But whatever the circumstances may be, we should not succumb to it.

We should take a vow to never take shelter of maya and we should take a resolve to never leave the shelter of Krishna.

If we pass these tests with flying colours then our chances of being part of the spiritual world will increase significantly.

Three Reflections

• Krishna through maya tests our eligibility at each and every moment to ascertain our suitability to be part of the spiritual world.
• If we have a desire to enjoy candy, then we will have to remain here, in this material world, to satisfy our desire to enjoy candy.
• We should take a vow to never take shelter of maya and we should take a resolve to never leave the shelter of Krishna.

Ask Yourself

• Is my heart free from all material desires?

Action Item

• List down three material desires which are troubling you the most.
• Discuss with senior devotees how to give up these desires.

We, the jivas, are always dependent on Krishna

Although you and I wish to enjoy life independently but we are always dependent on Krishna. He gives us everything without which we cannot survive. The little independence we have is also given by him only.

Our independence is akin to a cow tied to a pole with a rope. Cow’s independence is equivalent to the length of the rope. The cow can do whatever within the periphery of the rope but beyond that she has no independence unless and until the master is ready to increase the length or untie the rope.

Similarly, our independence is very limited.  

You and I may feel that we are the controller & the proprietor of our body, mind and senses but we are not. We read several mind control books, watch videos on how to control the mind but finally end up being defeated by our mind.

We are subordinate to nature. Here, we have to work as per the laws of nature. We cannot survive even for a moment if we go against its laws. Can anyone live without breathing? We may temporarily stop eating or drinking or sleeping but not permanently.

None of us want to be diseased but still we suffer from it. We do not want to die but still we die. This is our real position – we are not the controller, but we are controlled, and we are not independent but are always dependent.

Being dependent on Krishna is an advantage

Krishna, the Supreme Lord, is only independent and we, his part and parcel, are always dependent upon him. He creates and controls this universe. Material laws work under his direction. He is the cause of all the causes.

“Kṛṣṇa who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal blissful spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no other origin and He is the prime cause of all causes.” Śrī Brahma-saṁhitā 5.1

Being controlled by Krishna is not a disadvantage but it’s rather an advantage. For a kite to fly high in the sky it needs to be connected by a thread and controlled by a person.

Similarly, if we want to rise high in life then we need to be connected to someone who can properly guide us. And who can be a better guide than Krishna. The threads which will help us rise high in the sky are the words of wisdom given in the scriptures.

We always struggle to live without being dependent on others so that we can live as per our own terms and conditions. But we see that it never happens. So, instead of trying to be independent, let us declare our complete dependence on Krishna and give our rein of life to him. Anyone who has done it has never regretted it.

Arjuna begged Krishna to become his charioteer to guide him, similarly we should pray him to become the controller of our life.  

Three Reflections

• We may feel that we are the controller & the proprietor of our body, mind and senses but we are not.
• Krishna, the Supreme Lord, is only independent and we, his part and parcel, are always dependent upon him.
• Instead of trying to be independent, let us declare our complete dependence on Krishna and give our rein of life to him.

Ask Yourself

• Am I ready to give control of my life to Krishna?

Action Item

• Find out anything in life which you think you can do independently.

Difficulties bring us closer to Krishna

Difficulties are disheartening but it also gives us an opportunity to come closer to Krishna. Lord is also there to help us but many times we sideline Krishna and try to solve problems on our own. When Lord sees that we do not want him then he quietly steps back.

Lord Vishnu’s unpleasant experience

Once Lord Vishnu was having his food and mother Lakshmi was serving him. Suddenly Lord Vishnu got up and immediately started running.  Lakshmi could not understand anything. But soon the Lord came back. Lakshmi inquired, “What happened? Where were you going and why did you come back?”

Lord Vishnu replied, “One man needed me. As he was being chased by a tiger, he was calling my name.  Hearing his call, I immediately rushed towards him to save him. But soon he stopped calling my name. He picked up a stone and thought that he can protect himself. The man began thinking that I will not come to save him. He did not have trust in me. He was wondering whether I will hear his prayer or not”.

Our condition is not different than this man. We pray to Lord but doubt if he is listening to our prayers or not. This is why when we go through difficulties then we rely on our abilities rather than on God’s mercy.

It’s not that during difficulties we should completely give up, sit idle and hope that the Lord will come to our rescue. Rather we should do our best to mitigate the problems but simultaneously pray to Lord for help and guidance. This is what Arjuna did at the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

Miseries help to remember Krishna

As Krishna was always there with Arjuna when he was fighting the battle of his life, similarly he is always there with us. As Paramatma, he is there with us in our heart, and he is also present in the form of instructions which he has given in Bhagavad Gita.

When we refuse to acknowledge Lord’s presence in our life and do things as per our own whims then we trudge on a path of uncertainties and fear. But if we constantly seek his guidance our life’s journey will be smooth and trouble free.

If we have trust in Krishna and his mercy, then no material problems will ever bother us. In fact, problems will become an opportunity for us to experience Krishna’s grace. 

This is why Queen Kunti says in her prayers that let miseries come because it helps her to constantly remember Krishna and also helps to constantly get association of Krishna.  

“I wish that all those calamities would happen again and again so that we could see You again and again, for seeing You means that we will no longer see repeated births and deaths.” Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.8.25

Krishna is ever ready to help. He wants us to turn towards him. And if we do so, we will get closer to Krishna. Nothing of this world will then trouble us. So, during difficulties let us not get broken-hearted but we should turn towards Krishna and experience his mercy.

Three Reflections

• During difficulties, we should do our best to mitigate the problems but simultaneously pray to Lord for help and guidance.
• Queen Kunti prays that let miseries come because it helps her to constantly remember Krishna.
• During difficulties let us not get broken-hearted but we should turn towards Krishna and experience his mercy.

Ask Yourself

• Do I pray to Krishna during difficulties?

Action Item

• Identify one problem of your life, work hard to solve it and constantly pray to Krishna for help and guidance.

If you invest in Krishna Consciousness, then return is guaranteed

When we invest money then we always expect a high return. So, we are advised to invest in certain sectors where although risk is there but return is huge, as the saying goes – high risk high gain, low risk low gain. Although we take the bait but we always remain anxious fearing loss. People indeed suffer loss, some even go bankrupt.

However, there is one sector where if you invest then return is guaranteed.  There is no chance of any loss. Anyone who invests never returns empty-handed. And during the investment, there is no anxiety or fear because it’s completely risk free.

Everyone is eligible to invest here – rich and poor, men and women, young and old, Hindus and non-Hindus, Indians and non-Indians.   

But here instead of investing money in a bank or a scheme one has to invest one’s time in developing Krishna Consciousness. For example, one should chant the names of Krishna like the Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily. It is recommended to chant at least 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily which takes around 2 hours. The holy name of Krishna cleanses us internally and connects us to Krishna directly.

Soon one starts experiencing the fruits of investment.  The negative thoughts and emotions which were earlier disturbing us no longer trouble us. Krishna begins protecting us from negative people and surroundings.

We see how by investing in Krishna consciousness, our problems are getting reduced, and happiness is getting multiplied.

Krishna’s assurance

Anyone who has made such an investment has never regretted it. In this investment no one ever suffers any loss.

Krishna personally says this, “In this endeavor there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear”. (Bhagavad – Gita 2.40).

If we increase the quantum of investment, then return too increases manifold. And if the investment touches 100% then we gain freedom from all sufferings forever. We then become eligible to live a joyous & opulent life for eternity with Krishna.

Let us become smart investors and make the most of this wonderful opportunity and invest in Krishna Consciousness.

In this world, we do not have guarantee of anything. We have heard stories of people becoming poverty stricken overnight.  People being kicked out from their offices and bungalows and dragged into jail. People who worked throughout their life to attain a position but then seeing it helplessly being taken away. This is how this nature works. So, we should not expect too much from this world. We should do our duty and whatever we get in return we should accept it as God’s gift.

And simultaneously, we should invest our time and energy in becoming Krishna Conscious. Because this will give us the topmost return. Krishna through Arjuna is teaching us that how we should be doing our duty in this world but while performing our God given duty, we should never forget Krishna.

Arjuna never forgot Krishna at the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Similarly, we should never forget Krishna while fighting our life’s battle.  

Three Reflections

• We see how by investing in Krishna consciousness, our problems are getting reduced, and happiness is getting multiplied.
• We should do our duty and whatever we get in return we should accept it as God’s gift.
• Arjuna never forgot Krishna at the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Similarly, we should never forget Krishna while fighting our life’s battle.  

Ask Yourself

• Did I complete my chanting today?

Action Item

• If not then immediately try to complete your chanting today.

Krishna wants us to prepare for eternal blissful life

Suppose that there is a cricket match between India and Pakistan and the outcome has already been fixed in favour of Pakistan. In such a situation, will you be interested in watching the match. The answer is obvious. No sane man will spend their precious time watching a fixed match.

However, we have been playing a fixed match for several lifetimes against this material world. Although we are aware of our ultimate defeat still, we keep on playing hoping to win. 

To make the play entertaining, the material nature keeps our hope alive too. She allows us to dominate some part of the game.

It’s like a heavyweight boxer allowing a few punches on his body while playing with a child simply to encourage him so that he remains engaged in the game.

But our match with the irresistible material world does not remain entertaining for a long period of time. And the end, we all know, is very painful.

Scriptures warn us, surroundings remind us and our own experiences repeatedly caution us about the impending disaster.

Lord Krishna too in Bhagavad Gita 2.18 says that the material body is surely going to die one day.

But sadly, we continue to live in this world as if we are never going to die. We keep ourselves busy accumulating things in this world as if we are going to use it forever.

Material world is full of miseries

When the holy books and the holy sages try to remind us about the impending disaster, then we prefer to look the other way. But a day comes when the inevitable happens. Death knocks at our door. The game is now over for us. Material nature is on the verge of victory.

During that moment we lament and fret, but it is too late. Whatever we accumulate in this world gets forcibly snatched from us. Our beautiful house, bank balance, loving family members all remain here only. Nothing accompanies us during our final journey.

If we are aware of our end result, then while living why to waste time on something which is ultimately going to become the cause of agony.

Why get obsessed with this material which is going to give us pain anyway?

In Bhagavad Gita 8.15 Krishna says that this world is an abode of misery and in the same verse he gives the glimpse of his abode i.e. the spiritual world. He says, “Come to me to the spiritual world and enjoy with me an eternal, blissful life.”

“After attaining Me, the great souls, who are yogīs in devotion, never return to this temporary world, which is full of miseries, because they have attained the highest perfection.” Bhagavad 8.15

Krishna, the Supreme Lord, wants us not to get obsessed with this material world but prepare ourselves for eternal blissful life in the spiritual world.

So, while living in this world, we should prepare ourselves properly so that after leaving this world, we go to the spiritual world. If we are able to do so, then this will be the ultimate victory for us.

Three Reflections

• Our match with the irresistible material world does not remain entertaining for a long period of time.
• When death knocks at our door, the game is over for us. During that moment we lament and fret, but it is too late.
• Krishna expects that while living in this world, we should prepare for eternal blissful life in the spiritual world.

Ask Yourself

• Am I still hoping that I will be eternally happy in this world?

Action Item

• List down the names of the people who have never died in this world.

Krishna expects us to work sincerely like Arjuna

Sometimes we have the tendency to justify our irresponsible behaviour using devotion as an excuse. Many a times working devotees (including me) develop deep renunciation immediately after entering the office premise. Why am I working? It’s a wastage of time.

It’s not going to help me to develop love of God as my work is not directly linked to Krishna conscious activities. We become extremely philosophical and wilfully start neglecting our work.

Our feeling of renunciation is not because of our love for Krishna but because of our laziness, lethargy and unwillingness to face challenges in life. This can be easily understood because in the evening after leaving our workplace and during weekends our feeling of renunciation is untraceable. It pops up the next time we enter our workplace.

Krishna expects sincerity from us

The pseudo renunciation which we develop as per our whims is not going to help us in our personal, professional and most importantly devotional life. When Arjuna wanted to run away from the battlefield and wanted to beg for living then Krishna did not glorify Arjuna but rather admonished him. Krishna told him that dying in the war would be more glorious & graceful than running away from there.

Krishna also expects us to work sincerely like Arjuna. Like Arjuna we should never give up our work which is given to us by Krishna only. In fact, we should be sincere in our work. Work helps in our devotional life too. The money which we earn helps us to maintain ourselves, our family members.

It also facilitates in practicing devotion to Krishna peacefully. We can even use our money in spreading Krishna Consciousness movement either by donating some amount to the temple or by organizing devotional programs in our house or in any other ways which we find suitable.

If we are doing our work properly keeping Krishna in the centre, then we will also attract people to Krishna Consciousness.  

More than our words, our action inspires people. If we are sincere, serious, hardworking and honest in our work then others will not only admire us but will also develop a positive impression about the devotees. It will motivate them to practice devotional life.

When chanting just chant, when working just work

Bhaktivinod Thakura is an ideal example for all the devotees.  Through his life he has taught us how to be productive in occupational duties, how to be caring and loving towards the family members and how to be extremely sincere in executing devotion to Krishna. Following his footsteps we too can lead a healthy devotional life.

So, next time when the feeling of renunciation arises in our heart as we enter the office premise or open our laptop to work then we should remember Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. And we should also understand that this is not renunciation, but this is laziness and irresponsible behaviour which Krishna does not like.

We should always do our office work honestly and also practice devotional to Krishna sincerely.  

A simple formula to follow – be always in the moment. It means “When you chant the names of Krishna just chant” and “When you work just work.” Do not mix both.  This is what Arjuna did, and this is what Krishna expects us to do.

Three Reflections

• Krishna admonished Arjuna when he wanted to run away from the battlefield.
• Like Arjuna we should never give up our work, in fact, we should work sincerely and honestly.
• When you chant the names of Krishna just chant & when you work just work.

Ask Yourself

• Am I doing my office work sincerely?

Action Item

• Do your work sincerely. Use a timer to track your activities during office hour to make sure that you are not wasting time.

Result of our action does not depend only on our endeavour|Bhagavad Gita 18.13-14

Most of the time we think that the result we get for our action entirely depends upon so. We think we are the actual doer.

So, one person was telling God, “You have made us work so hard.” God said, “What kind of hard work you are doing?” 

The Lord asked, “Who gave birth to you?” The man said, “You gave.”

God further asked, “Who gives the rain?”  The main said, “You give.” 

“Who gives the mango seed?  Man said, “God, you only give.” 

“Who keeps the potency in the mango seed to germinate and grow and become a big mango tree? The man meekly said, “You only, God.”

Then God finally asked, “So, what are you doing?”

If we observe, we will find that we do only 5% of the work and 95% work is done by God. So, if one understands the significant role of God in our life and our insignificant position then it is very helpful in understanding that we are not the doer, but God is the doer.

For example, I sow the seed, God gives the rain. I give the interview for a job and the interview panel selects me. I write the exams, and the examiner gives me the marks. So, we are not independent, and everything is not in our hand.

Five factors determine outcome of any action

In Bhagavad Gita, it is explained that there are five factors which decides the outcome of any action.

“O mighty-armed Arjuna, according to the Vedānta there are five causes for the accomplishment of all action. Now learn of these from Me. The place of action [the body], the performer, the various senses, the many different kinds of endeavor, and ultimately the Supersoul – these are the five factors of action.” Bhagavad Gita 18.13-14

We play a small role in the outcome, so we should not take credit for what we achieve.

Arjuna asks about the yoga process by adopting which we become cleansed by performing work because work cause bondage. Krishna says to Arjuna to do work without getting attached to the result and understanding that he is not the doer.

Work without taking credit of the result

Work produces results and results cause contamination of our mind.

We start thinking, “I am the doer, without me this work cannot be done. Nobody else would have been able to do it. I am the first one to start doing it and if I take off my hand everything will fall apart.”

Such thoughts arise because of false ego. And such mindset binds us in this world.

We should always work without the desire to take credit for the results. If we do so, then we will not be bound by work in this world and our heart too will get cleansed.

Many great souls like Janaka Maharaj have acted in this way.

We should always contemplate that my brain is given by God, my senses are given by God, how to process the knowledge is also given by God.  I came with empty hands, and I will go with empty hands, in between I’m doing something which is like building a sandcastle near a seashore.

So, I should not be proud of doing something in this world and neither take credit for the outcome of our action.

In this mood we should do our work in this world. This is what Krishna teaches to Arjuna, “Perform work without getting attached to the result.”

Reference: This article is based on an answer given by HG Radheshyam Prabhu to a question at the end of Srimad Bhagavatam Class at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata on June 5,2025. Srimad Bhagavatam class on that day was given by HG Nimai Anand Prabhu, HG Radheshyam Prabhu was visiting Kolkata, and he came towards the end of the class and prabhuji answered  a question at the request of HG Nimai Anand Prabhu

Three Reflections

• If we observe, we will find that we do only 5% of the work and 95% work is done by God.
• Krishna says to Arjuna to do work without getting attached to the result and understanding that he is not the doer.
• If we work without the desire to take credit for the results, then we will not be bound by work in this world and our heart too will get cleansed.

Ask Yourself

• Do I sideline God and take credit for the result for the work I do?

Action Item

• Immediately thank the Lord when you get a result for the action you performed and offer that result at the lotus feet of Krishna.