We haven't really discussed the Bhagavad Gita too much, but tonight I'd like to start by selecting a few quotes from the text which are relevant to our theme of 'Selfless Service.' Actually, that's what the Gita is all about. When asked to summarize it, Gandhi used the phrase 'Nishkama Karma' to encapsulate the Gita's message. That translates as 'selfless action,' or action free of any selfish motives ('nishkama' translates as 'without desire.')




The Gita is thus essentially a 'How-to' manual on Karma Yoga, a guide to how to live in the world and perform action in the world without getting ourselves into too much trouble, basically. The idea is that when we act from selfish motives, we accrue Karma (good and bad), which then we have to deal with at some point, either in this lifetime, or another. The goal is to get off the so-called 'Wheel of Karma' that we've been on for so long.



Another way of looking at it: The more we act unconsciously and egotistically, the more we tend to get stuck in our patterns and conditionings, our likes and dislikes, and so on. And when we act more skillfully and mindfully, and less automatically, the better we are able to understand and break our habitual tendencies.



Meditation definitely helps, too, because it's a process of forcing ourselves to take a good hard look at our mental and emotional bodies, which then leads to more skillful and mindful action. At one point early on, Krishna gives a definition of Yoga. 'Yoga,' he says, 'is skillful action.' In Sanskrit: 'Yoga Karmasu Kaushalam.'



Another, freer translation might be:



Yoga is about getting your act together!



I can definitely see Mr. Smiley saying that, too.




Another famous quote from the Gita:



You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction. Perform work in this world, Arjuna, as a person well-established within themselves -- without selfish attachments, and alike in success and defeat. For yoga is perfect evenness of mind [samatva]. ~ B.G. 2:47-2:48



[Note: I'm using the Easwaran translation.]



So, basically, act without selfish expectations, like
'What's in it for me?' or 'When's my ship going to come in?' or 'Lord, show me the money!'



Giving up the 'fruit,' or outcome, doesn't mean that you should be fatalistic, or not care about what the outcome will be. It's more about releasing everything that we do to the Highest Good, and not getting too stressed out if/when the Highest Good has another plan in mind.



Gandhi summed it all up in three words: 'Renounce and enjoy.'



Meaning that giving up the need to have things work out just as you think they should (as your ego thinks they should) will actually help you to enjoy life that much more.



Krishna, who is an avatar/incarnation of God in human form, puts it another way in another famous passage:



'Whatever I am offered in devotion with a pure heart -- a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water -- I accept with joy. Whatever you do, make it an offering to me -- the food you eat, the sacrifices you make, the help you give, even your suffering. In this way, you will be freed from the bondage of karma, and from its results both pleasant and painful. Then, firm in renunciation and yoga, with your heart free, you will come to me.' (9:26 -9:28)




This is the path of constant remembrance of God. Or, if you have a problem with that, then remembrance that there's more to the picture here than meets the eye. Or remembrance, as the saying goes, that 'we aren't human beings having spiritual experiences, but spiritual beings who have chosen to have this human experience.' As we remind ourselves of that, we start to wake ourselves up more and more, with the result that we start to see life again with freshness and wonder.