V - Path of Renunciation

Arjuna asked: o Krishna, you praise the path of transcendental knowledge, and also the path of selfless service, which is better of the two? (5.01)

Lord Krishna said: The path of Self-knowledge and the path of selfless service both lead to the supreme goal. But, of the two, the path of selfless service is superior to the path of Self-knowledge, because it is easier to practice. (5.02) The wise see no difference between the renunciation of selfish activities, and the performance of one's worldly duty without attachment to the result. Renunciation does not mean becoming a hermit. (5.04) Selfless service is the goal, and renunciation is the means.

One is a true renunciant and enlightened who:

• Does all work as an offering to God abandoning attachment to the result;
• Enjoys sensual pleasure with mind and senses under control;
• Sees one and the same Spirit in all beings. Looks at a learned person, an outcast, even an animal with equal eye, and can feel the pain and pleasure of others as one's own;
• Neither rejoices on obtaining what is pleasant, nor grieves on obtaining the unpleasant and is tranquil in pleasure and pain (disappointment), in honor and disgrace;
• Finds happiness with the Supreme Being, who rejoices the Supreme Being within, who is illuminated by Self-knowledge and remains ever steadfast with the Supreme Self;
• Acts beyond personal selfish motives;
• Has neither attachment nor aversion for anything.
• Has discovered the joy of spiritual knowledge, and whose mind is in union with God.

Such a person is not bound by Karma though engaged in work, and attains eternal bliss. The Lord neither creates the urge for action, nor the feeling of doership, nor the attachment to the result of action in people. The power of Material Nature does all this. (5.14)

Abbreviated By Harry Bhalla.
The numbers in parentheses are the chapter numbers and verse numbers respectively, of the Bhagavad-Gita. If any of this interests you, please visit: www.gita-society.com OR www.gita4free.com

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