Karma Leads To Liberation

Renunciation is noblest of all qualities. It is said, “Na karmaëa na prajaya dhanena Tyagenaike amritatva manashuù,” (immortality is obtained only through renunciation, not by wealth, progeny or actions.” We find many people boasting that they gave away so many things in charity. But, this is not real tyaga. Real renunciation is removal of bad qualities.

Removal of bad qualities from mind is real renunciation and Yoga as well. Bhagavad-geeta stresses on Karma-yoga (Yoga of service). Karma (deeds), Bhakti (devotion) and Jnaana (knowledge) are the three paths that take us to the goal. Among these three, the path of Karma is most tedious. Path of Karma is like an ordinary train journey wherein difficulties like slow movement, shunting at various junctions, etc. are involved. The second path is Bhakti (devotion). It is like a through-carriage. Travellers in this bogey need not shift at all junctions. The carriage is automatically attached to the trains concerned on its way. The third path Jnaana is like a through train. All travellers in this train can reach destination at a faster pace and with more comfort. People travelling by the first kind of train should be more careful in order to reach destination comfortably. Our body has come for the sake of Karma. Entire creation had emanated from Brahman. Atma has come from Brahman. Yajna is formed for the sake of Atma, Karma out of Yajna, rain is a result of Karma, food is created by parjanya and beings are born out of food. All these are like flowers. When the being that is at one end is joined with Brahman that is on the other end, all these flowers turn into a garland.

Obtain God’s Love

In the center of the garland is Karma. Brahman, Atma and Yajna are on one side. Parjanya, food and the Beings are on the other side. Karma is joining these two entities. The first half is the Aamushmikam (Transcendental). The second half is Ihikam (Worldly). Man should endeavour to reach Aamushmikam by performing Karma (deeds) with the body that is fostered by food. All Karmas should be carried out as offerings to God. The Bhagavad-geeta says, “Karmanyeva adhikarste (One has the right only to do Karma).” One may, reach God only when he considers himself as a tool in God’s hand. When one considers himself as the doer, it is known as ego.

Locus standi turns even the weaklings as egoistic. One day, Lord Vishnu sent a message to Lord Shiva through Garuda. As Garuda landed on Kailasa waving his wings, there was a spurt of wind. At that time, the snake around Shiva’s neck got angry and it hissed at Garuda. Garuda found out the reason for this arrogance. It was because of its proximity to Lord Shiva, this snake had assumed importance. When the snake is separated from Shiva; it becomes a prey to Garuda. Any being that sheds ego and becomes gentle is worthy of honour. Take for example, the case of a mouse. Normally people try to trap the rats and kill them. But, when it is in the proximity of Vinayaka as His vehicle, the same people prostrate at it. The effects pertaining to the kind of proximity can be found in the case of Yadavas and Gopikas as well. The Yadavas considered Sri Krishna as belonging to them, instead of considering themselves belonging to Him. This kind of ego had ultimately led to destruction of the entire clan. But, on the other hand, the Gopikas kept on saying, ‘Oh Krishna, we belong to You.’ They had even forsaken food for His sake. This is the reason why Krishna had endeared the Gopikas. Be at Mathura or at Dwaraka, Krishna had honoured them.

Do not develop ego on account of your stint at Sri Sathya Sai College. You know the story of Abubanadam. He was a good social worker. He was disappointed when he could not find his name in the angel’s list of those who loved God. But, later he was delighted to find his name on top of the list of people who were loved by God; and he became dear to all angels. We too, therefore, must endeavour to be loved by God. We must carry out all actions while reciting God’s name all along.

We eat food as per its quality. Our thoughts depend upon the type of food we eat. Good food develops good qualities. Food becomes good when it is offered to God and this food is of Saatvika type. Thoughts of God provide Atmic Bliss. Water is there under ground. It can be lifted up by means of bore-well even if it is lying deep down. Similarly, Naama-smaranam (recitation of God’s name) is the bore-well that brings out the water of Bliss.

Karma, Bhakti and Jnaana – these may appear to be three separate paths. Their aim or goal is the same! These are different paths towards the same goal that is God Realisation. Just as the fruit comes from the flower, and the ripened fruit from it, devotion comes from Karma; and Jnaana (Knowledge) from devotion.

Bhagawan Krishna said, “There is no need whatsoever for me to do Karma. But I am ever engaged in Karma so as to provide an ideal example to all people.” Upanishats also say, ‘Tasmai namah karmane, (I prostrate to Karmas).’