The eleventh in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India’s most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.
In this talk, starting with Chapter 3:21, Swamiji discusses a wide range of topics, including different concepts of avatars, a story about Anandamayi Ma, and more about our lives as examples to others.
Here are the Gita verses (3:21–3:28) covered in this talk:
Whatever the best of men does–this and that–thus other men do. Whatever the standard that he sets, that is what the world shall follow. (3:21)
I have no duty whatsoever in the three worlds, nor anything that must be attained, nevertheless I engage in action. (3:22)
Indeed, if I did not tirelessly engage at all in action, then mankind everywhere would follow my example. (3:23)
If I did not perform action these worlds would perish, and I would be the cause of confusion. I would destroy these people. (3:24)
As the unwise act, attached to action, so the wise should act, unattached, intending to maintain the welfare of the world. (3:25)
One should not unsettle the minds of the ignorant attached to action. The wise should cause them to enjoy all actions, himself engaged in their performance. (3:26)
In all situations actions are performed by the gunas of Prakriti. Those with ego-deluded mind think: “I am the doer.” (3:27)
But he who knows the truth about the gunas and action thinks: “The gunas act in the gunas.” Thinking thus, he is not attached. (3:28)
Here’s a summary from the talk “Our Lives as Examples.”
- Krishna’s Teaching to Arjuna: Krishna explains in the Bhagavad Gita that individuals must perform their dharma (duty) not just for personal gain but as an example to others.
- Influence of Actions: Every action by a great person influences others to follow suit, emphasizing that our lives are interconnected; our karma affects and is affected by others.
- Krishna’s Role: Krishna, despite being beyond duty, continues to work to set an example. If he were to stop, mankind would lose direction, indicating the importance of Divine or enlightened beings working for the world’s welfare.
- Divine Work and Sacrifice: God continuously works, experiencing all human conditions to maintain the cosmos. This work is a form of sacrifice, where the Divine consciousness unites with human experiences.
- Misinterpretation of Spiritual Teachings: There’s a caution against using spiritual teachings to justify inaction or unethical behavior. An example given is of individuals misusing a statement by Mother Anandamayi to avoid responsibility.
- The Role of the Wise: The wise should work without attachment to the fruits of their actions but to lead others towards righteousness. Their work should be an example of how to live with one’s consciousness aligned with the highest ideals.
- Critique of Detachment: Swamiji cautions against the misuse of spiritual detachment where individuals refuse to help others, using their spiritual status as an excuse, as seen with the story of sadhus ignoring a person in need.
- Holiness in Work: Work, when done with the right consciousness, is holy. Even mundane or unpleasant tasks become sacred when performed in service to others or with a divine intention.
- Misconceptions about Actions and Ego: Humans often mistakenly believe they are the sole doers of their actions, not recognizing the interplay of natural energies (gunas) and personal will.
- Conclusion on Responsibility: Swamiji emphasizes that one should not deny moral responsibility by attributing actions solely to external forces or bodily functions, advocating for a responsible and enlightened approach to life’s duties.
The talk underscores the importance of living by example, the divine nature of all work when done with the right consciousness, and the interconnectedness of all beings influencing one another through their actions.
