An aspirant who wants to walk the path of Karmayog, must first accept
that "I am a Yogi". He who wishes to walk the path of Jnanayog (path
of knowledge), must first be of the notion that "I am a seeker of
truth". And he who wants to walk the path of Bhaktiyog (path of
devotion), must accept that "I am a devotee". The point is an aspirant
will either have to become a Yogi, a seeker (jigyaasu) of truth, or a
devotee (bhakt) and thereafter do this spiritual practices.
He who does his spiritual practices after becoming a Yogi, he should not
be satisfied until he has attained Yog (equanimity). Yog is the name
for equanimity - "samatvam yog uchyate" All pairs of opposites are
obstacles in being a Yogi - attachment and aversion, elation - dejection
etc. Therefore a spiritual aspirant's objective should be to rid
himself of all pairs of opposites.
An action is performed with two aims - one to attain its fruits and
another to renounce its fruits. Whatever situation comes in the way of a
spiritual aspirant, he must make optimal use of the situation and not
become an enjoyer of pleasures (bhogi). Becoming happy and unhappy,
becoming elated or dejected, such things are the same as becoming an
enjoyer of pleasures. Proper use of circumstances is - When favorable
situation arises, serve others, and when unfavorable situations present
themselves, give up craving pleasure. Proper use of favorable and
unfavorable situations aid in overcoming attachment and aversion, and in
turn lead to equanimity.
All actions are pertaining to "par" (something other than one's self),
and not to "swa" (self). As in "self," there is never a feeling of
"lack" (of absence, non-existence). Due to not lacking in anything, the
"self" needs nothing whatsoever. When there is no need of anything,
then there are no actions to be done for the self. Secondly, the
causes for which the actions take place, are all in Nature (prakriti).
The "self" on having no relation whatsoever with Nature (Prakriti),
therefore for it's Self needs nothing to be done. Therefore those men
who perform actions for themselves, they get bound by those actions -
"Yagyaarthaatkarmanonyatra lokoyam karmabandhanah" (Gita 3/9).
However, he who does nothing for himself and does actions (karmas) only
for others, he is released from the bondage of "Karma".
"yagyaayaacharatah karma samgram pravileeyate" (Gita 4/23). Doing
actions without any selfish interest for others is called "Yagyaarth
karma". Those who work for others without any selfish interests they
attain "yog" (equanimity) in the form of sacrifice.
"yagyashishthaashinah santo muchyante sarvakilbishaih" (Gita 3/13)
Yagyashishthamrutabhujo yaanti brahma sanaatanam" (Gita 4/31)
(to be continued)
From "Satsang Muktahaar" in Hindi by Swami Ramsukhdasji
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If in doubt regarding the translation, please read the original Hindi message by Swamiji.
FOR MESSAGE IN HINDI PLEASE VISIT Date : 2nd February, 2012 "SADHAKUPYOGI AMOOLYA BAATE"