Contents
Shri Sankara's Gita Bhashya
(Sri Sankaracharya's Commentary on the Gita)
CHAPTER -4
|
|
Objection:—Is not'action'ever the same to all, never depart ing from its nature anywhere? Reply: Not so. To a person in a boat, when the boat is moving, trees which are stationary on the bank appear to move in the opposite direction. Distant objects, remote to the eye, though moving, are seen as devoid of motion (i.e. appear to be stationary). So also here, action is seen in the actionless (Self), under the idea: 'I do (this)'; and inaction is seen in action[1]:- thus, contrary perception takes place. And to remove this (wrong perception) the Lord says, 'lie who can see inaction in action etc' Though this subject has been taught more than once in reply (to objections), ordinary people being deluded through cherish ing very strong misconceptions forget the Truth though often heard by them, and bringing up wrong arguments raise doubts again and again. So, seeing that the truth about the Self is difficult to understand, the Lord also answers (such objections) again and again. (To sum up:) The truth that the Self is devoid of action, so well established by Śruti, Smrti and Nyāya,[2] has been taught in the verses,"This (Self) is said to be unmanifested, unthinkable"[3]," This (Self) is never born; nor does it ever die"[4], etc.; and it will be taught hereafter also. In such Self bereft of action, i.e. in (Self's) 'inaction ', the perception of action, which is contrary (to its real nature) has become quite natural with people; and so," even sages are bewildered as to what is action and what is inaction"[5]. And, attributing action, which rests on the body etc., to the Self, (man thinks)" I am the doer, this duty (action) is for me; I must enjoy its fruit". |
 |
