Not being attached to the fruits of action, a person avoids bondage of action, as prescribed in Bhagavad Gita, says AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
There was a well-known preacher. Every Sunday, he used to draw a large crowd of listeners. He was very good in singing as well. Before he started to preach, he used to sing very melodiously. The assembled persons used to join, majority of them. On the stage, he used to sit; musicians also sat, giving him company. The whole atmosphere in the neighbourhood used to become electric.
Once he started to preach, most of those present used to be very attentive because he used to involve them; he used to give them 10 questions, which they were supposed to answer after the preaching ended. The verses of the Bhagavad Gita on which he preached on any particular Sunday were already announced on the previous Sunday. People used to note the questions. This practice ensured that many became regulars; they made sure to find time to attend the preaching sessions.
This was all very fine except the preacher began to become attracted to a pretty girl who prepared well and answered most of the questions given. This infatuation grew over the months and the preacher started to devise plans to see her more often. Then, one day, suddenly, some persons descended on the venue and began to abuse the preacher. They broke the musical instruments, threw away the mike, etc and warned the preacher never to return.
Thus ended the preaching career of this man. He was heartbroken for more reason than one. Now what was he to doIJ He chose to translate the Bhagavad Gita. He was well versed in the Sanskrit language and he did an excellent job. He knew in his heart that what he had achieved was a masterpiece. God must have been instrumental as he probably was in wrecking his preaching programme. This man approached a well-known institution, which had been printing the Gita for decades. They saw his manuscript and were highly impressed by it. After a lot of consultations between the trustees, his manuscript was adopted for further printing of their Gita.
This retired man, who could easily support himself, was over the moon due to this development. Now he realised that God had a hand in this. Once you are linked with God, you should give up all attachments. Otherwise also all attachments give pain only. God takes over the lives of his devotees and does the very best possible for them and even protects them from the likely troubles they may be getting into as this man was getting into with that girl. Not only devotees of God but everyone should avoid getting attached with results having done what best could have been done under the circumstances, and should wait for results to see what form they take and when they come. From the example of this man, we can learn that he gained what he could never have imagined and escaped getting in serious trouble over his growing infatuation with the girl.
There are many benefits if one can avoid attachments. A person having this quality will be able to focus on his duties since he will not be worried about the fruits of action. (2.48) This quality is helpful in being able to maintain equanimity in all circumstances. (2.48) Such a person progressively achieves the supreme state. (3.18-3.19) Detachment towards fruits of action brings satisfaction and avoids entanglement in mundane activities. (4.20)
It delivers one from sufferings. (6.23) By the strong weapon of detachment, it becomes easier to understand the true nature of this material world. (15.3-15.4) Not being attached to fruits of action, a person avoids bondage of action. (18.17) By shunning attachment, a person becomes peaceful and deserving of Brahman realisation. (18.51) A person becomes decisive; confusion disappears. Such a person is generally respected since he or she does not try to exploit others in his or her selfish interest. (3.18) Then, what are we waiting forIJ The Bhagavad Gita has all the information about how to become detached from results. Why not learn it and reap all the benefits mentioned therein and more!
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com