In chapter five Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that the concepts of action with detachment and renunciation in actions explaining that both are a means to the same goal. Here He explains how salvation is attained by the pursuance of these paths. These two paths seem two different, which lead to two different goals but in real fact it is the same road which becomes the other eg. Same Windsor Rd, becomes church st after a certain point. Karma Yoga (Accepting Cheerfully whatever that comes as Lord’s Prasad and what we do with it is my best offering to Him), doing our best in the current moment and that is only of right, our right is not to the result, stop the dissipation of energy thru our regrets/achievements of the past, worries and anxieties of the future and excitement in the present. Be in the present, doing your best as an offering to him. This practice is for one who is totally rajasic in nature (Man of desires to achieve things from the world). For one who is satvic in nature, he needs to follow the path of Renunciation of action, i.e. turning inwards with his senses controlled, his mind and intellect integrated, contemplating on the higher. His actions in the world are only for the welfare and well being of the world (plant, animal and human). Exclusively thinking of the Higher self alone.

Arjuna asks Lord Krishna which is better, Path of Karma Yoga or Path of Karma Sanyasa Yoga.

The one who performs actions without being attached to the fruits of his actions is liberated from the worldly bonds for ever.

Sanyasis never stop working for the common good of others, yet they know that they are doing nothing at all.

What ever you do offer all the rewards to the lord, without any attachment, and this is likened to the lotus leaf on water, unaffected by its task.

When enlightenment is gained, when ignorance is destroyed, where illusion is undone, and the true self is revealed this is likened to the darkness being removed by the sun.

The person who has mastered his desire, anger and emotions resides happily in the nine gates, watching their reactions which bring about the fruits of their actions.

Keep your mind clear of all desires which cause you agitation and anger, and keep this mind busy within. Working for others welfare, and gaining that inward joy that takes us close to the supreme.

Sanyasis shut out their senses and take an inward vow, focusing their vision in the eye brows i.e lifting all their senses, Mind & Intellect in one direction towards the higher within. Stilling their inward and outward breath.

Outwardly performing all actions but inwardly renouncing their fruits, the wise man, Vasanas (once own desires, lower nature) purified by the fire of transcendental knowledge, attains peace, detachment, forbearance, spiritual vision and bliss.

And Lord Krishna explains all this is done for Me (indicating Atman, Brahman, Self, not Mother Devaki and Vasudev’s son), the divine (Atman) who is in all beings, be it plant, animal or human, being ever present in all (Sarva Loka Maheshwara). He is the master of actions and the master of peace, the master of power and action, the transcendent Self, the master of the individual being. He is the lord of all, the Lord who is in each and every one of us (Sat-Immortal Existence), (Chit-Conciousness Knowledge), (Ananda – Permanent Happiness Bliss).

The above is a summary of Chapter 5, Bhagavad Gita talks given by Br Gopal Chaitanya Resident Archarya at Chinmaya Mission Sydney. The talks were held from 10 March to 15 March 2009.

OM TAT SAT