Academia/religions must work together to make us Karma Yogi who strive towards realizing the global vision of “One World. One Family. One Future”!

Working like a Karma Yogi: Work, actions, duties, become Yoga (uplifting towards highest Perfection) when we selflessly focus all attention on excellence in fulfilling our respective duties, without attachment or aversion, without diverting it to the fruits of action; work done as worship without desire to enjoy the results. The worker who is detached towards fruits of action is sāttvic in nature; the one who is excessively attached to action and its results is rājasic; one who is devoid of discrimination is tāmasic. The worker who simply does his duties selflessly because commitment to duties is his highest worship of God in man, is the highest, beyond the three modes and fit to be the Mentor, Role model of society. The three modes of work and workers:

Rajasic actions and people: Actions in the mode of passion, motivated by over-ambition and characterized by intense effort, leads to physical and mental fatigue. The business world is a good example of Rajasic actions. Executives regularly complain of stress because their actions are usually motivated by pride and an inordinate ambition for power, prestige, wealth. The efforts of political leaders, over-anxious parents, and businessmen are also often typical examples of actions in the mode of passion. The nature of Rajo guna, is that it creates intense desires for materialistic enhancement and sensual enjoyment.

Tamasic actions and people: The intellects of those in tamo guna are covered by the fog of ignorance. They are oblivious to or unconcerned with what is right and what is wrong and are only interested in themselves and their self-interest. They pay no heed to money or resources at hand, or even to the hardships incurred by others. Tāmasic action causes decay of one’s health and vitality. It is a waste of effort, time, resources. Typical examples are shady businesses, exploitation, corruption, etc.

Sattvic actions and people: Sāttvic doers are the best; they do not try to cling to things in worldly attachment, nor do they believe that worldly things can bestow satisfaction to the soul. Hence, they work with noble motives. And since their intentions are pure, they are filled with utsāha (zeal) and Dhriti (strong resolve) in their endeavours. Their mental attitude results in the least dissipation of energies while working. Thus, they can work tirelessly to fulfil their sublime motives. Though they may accomplish great things, they have humility, are free from egotism, and give all credit to others, God.

The sāttvic are motivated by desire for spiritual growth, the rājasic are deeply ambitious for materialistic enhancement. They do not realize that everything here is temporary and will have to be left behind one day. Agitated with immoderate desires of the mind and senses, they do not possess the purity of intention. They are convinced that the pleasure they seek is available in the things of the world. Hence, never satisfied by what comes their way, they are greedy; envious, bent on injury; ready to sacrifice morality; and hence become impure. When desires are fulfilled, they become elated; otherwise, they get dejected; living a mixture of delights and sorrows.

The mind of Tāmasic workers is undisciplined, blotted with negative obsessions and they ignore the universal principles of proper and improper behaviour. They’re obstinate, fanatic in their beliefs and views, and ignore reason. Thus, they are often cunning, dishonest, vile, vulgar, because they are unable to control their animal instinct. They see duty as laborious and painful, and so they are slothful, and procrastinating. Their ignoble and base thoughts impact them more than anyone else, making them unhappy and morose.

First Viveka-Buddhi then will power: Viveka is the faculty of discrimination that distinguishes between the right that leads to unselfishness and love for more and more and wrong that contracts and makes us self-centered; and then we need the will power, determination to persist in accomplishing the work undertaken, despite hardships and obstacles on the way. We constantly exercise our free will to make choices, and our cumulative choices determine where we reach in life.

Education and religions together must inspire and teach citizens to make proper choices and help build powers of mind and will power. At the outset of ‘battle’, Arjun was confused about his duty. His inordinate attachment to his relatives had bewildered his judgment regarding proper and improper action. Feeling weak and fearful, and in utter confusion, he needed a Mentor to enlighten him regarding his duty. We need Teachers as Mentors who can give us the holistic healthy worldview of God, Rebirth, Vedic and Vedantic wisdom which can inspire us and give strength to be a Karma Yogi. And ultimately a Mentor can but conclude, “I have logically explained to you the truth of truths. Ponder over it deeply, and then do as you wish.” And no one else but I and I alone am responsible for consequences of my choices and actions.

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