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.
