Gyaneshwari -Sant Gyaneshwar
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Chapter-18
Release
6. But even these actions should be performed O Partha, without attachment and (the desire for) reward. This is My firm and best view When these actions such as sacrifices, are being performed according to scriptural rules, he does not become puffed up with pride. If anyone performs a pilgrimage at the cost of another, he cannot boast of having performed the pilgrimage. He who, under the authority of a powerful king, defeats another king and brings him as a captive, cannot feel proud of his conquest. He who swims taking the help of a swimmer cannot boast of being a swimmer. The sacrificial priest, who gives gifts on behalf of the sacrifice, cannot take the credit of being the donor. In the same manner, he should perform all obligatory actions from time to time, according to the scriptural injunction without the egoistic feeling of being the doer (166-170). He should not, O Arjuna, crave for the fruit, resulting from his action. O winner of wealth, he should, on the contrary, undertake the action without hankering after its fruit, in the same manner, as a wet nurse brings up a child not her own. No one waters a holy fig tree for its fruit; so one should perform actions without desiring their fruit. A cowherd looks after the cows of a village, without the desire of their milk, so one should be disinterested in the reward of his actions. A person who performs action in this way, attains to the knowledge of the Self (171-175). My best message to all is, that they should perform actions without expectation of a reward and attachment to the body. He who is dead tired of the bonds of existence and is anxious for his deliverance, should not transgress this command of Mine. |
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