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Gita Lesson - 0410: Complying to our Prescribed Duty

Bhagavad Gita
Unit - 04
Lesson - 0410: Complying to our Prescribed Duty
By Raja Subramaniyan

Every one of us is playing various roles at various points of time in our life. Each role comes with a well-defined responsibility. We need to function to the best of our ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the roles undertaken by us.

Example: The primary responsibility of a student is to study.

Similarly, at each stage of our life as a spouse, parent and grandparent we have well prescribed duties.

In addition to the above, we choose our profession according to our aptitude, skill and capabilities. Each profession comes with its own set of duties and responsibilities. It is very important that we fulfill the responsibilities of the chosen profession to the best of our abilities. We should work sincerely with utmost dedication to the chosen profession.

Most of the roles in our life after we grow into an adult are chosen by us. No one compels us to do work, get married or raise a family. It is our choice. We have the option to choose what we want to do. However, having chosen, we should work to the best of our abilities to fulfill our duties.

This is the recommendation of Lord Krishna for those who do not understand the teachings on the Atman.

Teaching 13: Karma Yoga is the steppingstone to gain Self-knowledge

The real purpose of working is to refine the mind so that it can comprehend the teaching on Atman. Most people choose a particular profession for earning money. Therefore, they may not do their work to their best of their abilities.

Example: I do not do my work properly because the employer is not paying me enough.

At each stage in our life (student, householder etc) and in each profession we undertake, we have to perform our work for gaining mental maturity. This is the only purpose of all our actions. Once we gain the mental maturity by doing our work sincerely, we will be able to comprehend the knowledge about Atman. Then we can lead a Joyful Living. Sincerity in work is a stepping-stone for Joyful Living.

Thus, if we are not able to understand the teaching given out by Lord Krishna, we need to do our work to the best of our abilities as explained the verses 31 to 37. This will lead us towards our destination in our life.

Chapter 2: Wisdom is the solution [Verses: 31 - 37]

2.31 Considering your specific duty as a Ksatriya, you should know that there is no better engagement for you than fighting a righteous war; and so there is no need for hesitation.

2.32 Oh Arjuna, happy are the Ksatriyas to whom such fighting opportunities come unsought, opening for them the doors of the heavenly planets.

2.33 If, however, you do not fight this righteous war, then you will certainly incur sins for neglecting your duties and thus lose your reputation.

2.34 Moreover, people will talk about your un-erasable infamy, and for one who has been honored, dishonor is worse than death.

2.35 The great warriors who have highly esteemed your name and fame will also think that you have left the battlefield out of fear only, and thus you will be disgraced.

2.36 Your enemies will describe you in many degrading words and ridicule your ability. What could be more painful for you?

2.37 Oh Arjuna, either you will be killed on the battlefield and attain the heavenly planets, or you will conquer and enjoy the earthly kingdom. Therefore, get up and fight with determination.

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