Lord Krishna counsels a realistic and sensible approach
Lord Krishna guides in the Bhagavad-Geeta, when He states, “In the bonafide Sankhya philosophy, these five causes have been stated for success in all actions.” (18.13) These are, “The place of action, the doer, many different kinds of instruments, many different efforts and the providence.” (18.14) The Lord states further, “Whatever action is begun by a man by body, speech and mind, these five are the causes of them.” (18.15) Lord Krishna summarises, “This being the case, still, who on account of immature intelligence thinks himself as the only doer, he is foolish; he does not understand.” (18.16)
Are we being foolish? Are we aiming too big or too small? Are we being realistic and sensible in setting our goals? Let us see if we are. There should be a fair assessment of the following. What are our abilities? Connected with this is our potential. An example will help us understand. Suppose there is a girl. Unfortunately, she is not pretty. On top of it she has tendency of becoming obese. Should she plan to enter the glamour world? No, she must focus on something to do with intelligence, if she is sharp in studies. Next come resources. What is available to us? Suppose there is a boy from a poor family, focus on getting a good job to begin his professional life. On the other hand, a boy from a rich family can plan to become a businessman. He should study and specialise in management from the best institutions.
The third criterion must be circumstances and opportunities available. A boy born to a yogi couple can think of becoming a yogi himself, blessed as he is. He has a tremendous start for making good spiritual progress in the present life. The fourth yardstick must be ‘yukta cheshta’ (appropriate efforts), as instructed by Lord Krishna in verse #6.17. Too much is counterproductive like a student appearing for an important exam studying all night. Too little is sick because all of us are expected to help ourselves as much as possible.
What does the Bhagavad-Geeta teach us in this connection? What did Lord Krishna promise Arjuna? In verse #2.37, He told Arjuna that if victorious he will enjoy the earth and if slain will achieve heaven. God did not even mention liberation because Arjuna was not an advanced devotee; he was just thinking of getting started, as he expressed in the verse #6.38. Lord clarified that a yogi, which Arjuna was not, achieves perfection due to practice of many births. (6.45) The creation works on the karmaphala principle, and mostly what we bring from our previous births come to fruition in the present life. Therefore, it is futile to imagine that we can achieve almost anything by our present efforts. This is not the way the creation works. For the present life, He counsels a realistic and sensible approach, when He states, “Be satisfied with any benefit, which comes of its own accord due to acts done earlier.” (4.22)
If we continue to harbour unrealistic desires, we will only get frustrated and waste a valuable human life. This is a materialistic way of thinking, in which God and His rules are ignored. One violates the ‘maryada’ (limit) of thinking and goes very far from reality. Lord Krishna has clearly warned that we have right in action, not ever in predetermining fruits. (2.47) ‘Ahankar’ (ego) prompts it and should be shunned. We will be well served.
(The author is a spiritual teacher)