THE YOGA OF ACTION

[Ms Tercy Lonan]

THE YOGA OF ACTION
Summary of Third Discourse
In order to remove Moha or attachment, which was the sole cause of Arjuna’s delusion, Sri
Krishna taught him the imperishable nature of the Atman, the realisation of which would grant him
the freedom of the Eternal.Adoubt therefore arises in Arjuna’s mind as to the necessity of engaging
in action even after one has attained this state.
Sri Krishna clears this doubt by telling him that although one has realised oneness with the
Eternal, one has to perform action through the force of Prakriti or Nature. He emphasises that
perfection is attained not by ceasing to engage in action but by doing all actions as a divine offering,
imbued with a spirit of non-attachment and sacrifice.
The man of God-vision, Sri Krishna explains to Arjuna, need not engage in action, as he has
attained everything that has to be attained. He can be ever absorbed in the calm and immutable Self.
But to perform action for the good of the world and for the education of the masses is no doubt
superior. Therefore, action is necessary not only for one who has attained perfection but also for one
who is striving for perfection. Sri Krishna quotes the example of Janaka, the great sage-king of
India, who continued to rule his kingdom even after attaining God-realisation.
Prakriti or Nature is made up of the three qualities—Rajas, Tamas and Sattwa. The Atman is
beyond these three qualities and their functions. Only when knowledge of this fact dawns in man
does he attain perfection.
The Lord tells Arjuna that each one should do his duty according to his nature, and that
doing duty that is suited to one’s nature in the right spirit of detachment will lead to perfection.
Arjuna raises the question as to why man commits such actions that cloud his mind and drag
him downwards, by force, as it were. Sri Krishna answers that it is desire that impels man to lose his
discrimination and understanding, and thus commit wrong actions. Desire is the root cause of all
evil actions. If desire is removed, then the divine power manifests in its full glory and one enjoys
peace, bliss, light and freedom.