The twenty-fourth 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 5:01, Swamiji discusses renunciation and karma yoga and which is better, according to Krishna, the concept of Darshanas (viewpoints in Hinduism) and our inner nature as the Eternal Witness, plus other aspects of Krishna’a teachings in the Gita.
Here are the Gita verses (5:01-5:09) covered in this talk:
Arjuna said:
You praise renunciation of actions and again you praise karma yoga. Which one is the better of these two? Tell me definitely. (5:1)
The Holy Lord said:
Renunciation of action and karma yoga both lead to the highest happiness; of the two, however, karma yoga is superior to renunciation of action. (5:2)
He is a constant renouncer of action who neither hates nor desires, who is indifferent to the pairs of opposites–truly he is easily freed from bondage. (5:3)
“Sankhya and karma yoga are different,” the childish declare–not the wise. If one is practiced correctly, that person finds the fruit of both. (5:4)
The realization that is attained by the followers of Sankhya is also attained by the followers of karma yoga. Sankhya and karma yoga are one. He who perceives this truly perceives. (5:5)
Indeed, renunciation is difficult to attain without karma yoga. The yoga-yoked sage quickly attains Brahman. (5:6)
Yoga-yoked, with the lower self purified, with the lower self subdued, whose senses are conquered, whose Self has become the Self of all beings–he is not tainted even when acting. (5:7)
“I do not do anything;” thus thinks the steadfast knower of truth while seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, eating, walking, sleeping, breathing, (5:8)
Speaking, releasing, and holding, opening and closing his eyes–convinced that it is the senses that move among the sense-objects. (5:9)
Here’s a summary from the talk “Renunciation versus Karma Yoga.”
- Renunciation and Karma Yoga: Arjuna questions Krishna about the superiority between renunciation of actions and karma yoga (performing actions without attachment to their results). Krishna explains that both paths lead to happiness, but karma yoga is superior because it involves the right mental attitude in action.
- Karma Yoga Over Renunciation: Merely not doing something doesn’t purify the mind if one is still mentally attached or involved in that action. Karma yoga involves acting with the right consciousness, which is more effective in leading to spiritual progress than simple renunciation.
- The Mind and Action: The mind is crucial; one can be detached from actions externally but still be attached mentally, which negates true renunciation. Karma yoga helps in aligning the mind and actions correctly.
- Philosophical Context – Sankhya and Yoga: Krishna discusses Sankhya, the ancient Indian philosophy, and Yoga, the practical discipline. He emphasizes that these are not separate but interconnected paths. Sankhya provides the philosophical foundation, while Yoga offers the practical methods for self-realization.
- Unity of Sankhya and Karma Yoga: The realization gained through Sankhya can also be attained by following Karma Yoga. Both are essentially one, where understanding (Sankhya) leads to the practice of unattached action (Karma Yoga).
- Path to Liberation: True renunciation comes from understanding and practicing karma yoga. It involves gradually detaching oneself from ego-driven actions, leading to a state where one can let go of actions entirely.
- Soham (That am I): The talk introduces the mantra “Soham (pronounced So-Hum)” as a tool for meditation, symbolizing the unity of the individual soul with the universal consciousness. This practice helps in realizing one’s true nature beyond physical actions.
- Practical Implications: The talk stresses that while performing worldly duties, one should maintain an inner detachment, recognizing that all actions are ultimately expressions of the divine. This realization leads to actions that do not bind one to karma.
- Spiritual Integrity: Swamiji warns against the hypocrisy of claiming spiritual advancement while indulging in actions contrary to spiritual principles, highlighting the importance of genuine practice over pretense.
- Conclusion: The talk concludes with the idea that true spiritual advancement involves both understanding and living the principles of karma yoga, leading to liberation by recognizing the self in all actions as divine.
This talk illustrates the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings on how to live a life of action without being bound by its results, emphasizing the integration of philosophical understanding with practical application in daily life.
