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Chapter 3 '
It is necessary to clearly understand, the difference between the 'aim' and the desire, for fruit. God-realization is the aim of human life, while desire to acquire perishable things, is the desire for fruit of action. An aim is achieved, while desire for fruit of action is wiped out. Self-realization or God-realization is the aim, rather than the fruit. Action which is performed in order to attain an aim, cannot be called an action with 'desire for fruit'. Therefore, a Karmayogi performs all actions, with an objective rather than with a desire for fruit.
In Kamtayoga (Discipline of Action), prescribed actions are performed with the aim of renouncing affinity for actions (matter). Such a striver performs actions for the welfare of others, by renouncing selfish desire for fruit, while a commonman performs actions for himself, with the desire for fruit. In the case of the latter, the action is turned into fruit and so the fruit has its affinity for the action; while aim has no affinity for action. When a striver performs action for the welfare of others, without expecting any reward, his misconception mat the Lord is far away from him, is removed.
Lokasangrahamevnpi sampasyankartumarhasi:-The word 'loka includes three aspects—
- Human world
- Creatures of the world
- All the scriptures (except the Vedas). Performance of actions (of daily routine) for the human world and its creatures, according to the ordinance of the scriptures is 'Lokasatigraha' (maintenance of the world).
'Lokasangraha' means to persuade the people to turn to the real, by dissuading them from the unreal. If a great soul, through his word and action, persuades people to turn towards the real, from the unreal, it leads them to salvation. If he performs his duty merely as a show, it is not 'lokasangraha'. He should perform his duty sincerely, according to his caste, order of life and sect etc.
No action is as such either superior or inferior. Whatever action is performed, according to one's caste, order of life, sect, time and circumstances, is regarded as superior. Actions are regarded as superior and inferior according to their form and fruit [1] When desire for fruit is renounced, all actions lead to perfection or God-realization. As far as renunciation of affinity for the insentient (matter) is concerned{ all actions—superior or inferior, are of equal importance.
No one can live without the help of others. A body is acquired from the parents; knowledge and education is received from preceptors. Food stuff, clothes, a house and other necessities of life, are prepared by others. Thus everyone has to depend on others for his necessities. Therefore, every person is indebted to others. In order to get out of this debt, he has to perform his duty for the welfare of others, without any selfish motive. When he does not regard the body and other worldly objects in the least as his own or for him, he is freed from the debt.
Appendix:-Here the expression 'Karmanaiva hi samsiddhimasthitah' proves that Karmayoga is an independent discipline for salvation. The kings such as Janaka etc., also attained perfection by performing actions because they ruled over their empire in order to serve others and to comfort them rather than for their selfish end.
`lokasaiigahamevapi sampaiyankartumarhasi'—this expression means that you should set an example to the people that by practising Karmayoga supreme goal is attained.
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