|
Chapter 17
Renunciation of the 'asat' (unreal) is 'sat' and acceptance of the 'sat' is also 'sat'. In fact as much need as there is of the renunciation of the unreal, so much need is not there of owning (adopting) the real. Without renouncing the unreal, the real tacked from outside does not subsist. But by renouncing the unreal, the real is revealed. Therefore by renouncing the unreal, the real is realized.
All the virtuous actions ordained by the scriptures such as sacrifice, penance, charity, pilgrimage, vow or fast, worship and marriage etc., being praise-worthy are 'Satkarma'. But if these praise-worthy actions have no affinity with God, they instead of being called 'sat' (the real), remain merely actions ordained by the scriptures. Though devils and demons also perform virtuous actions such as penance etc. Yet they lead to bondage and become 'asat' actions because they are performed with a selfish motive and are meant to harm others[1]. By those actions even if the Abode of Brahma is attained, they have to return there from[2]. Men, who work for God-realization, don't meet with an evil end[3] because its fruit is 'sat' (real). The actions which are performed for the welfare of all beings, by renouncing selfishness and pride, are indeed praise worthy 'Satkarma'.
|
|