Bhagavad Gita : Chapter 3 : Slokas 17 to 23 : Work to set the right example. The reward of detached work is The ultimate. (param) : Audio : Prose Order, Split Sandhis, Sloka

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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 : Slokas 17 to 23 : Detached work leads to the Ultimate

 http://ancientindians.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/gitathree17to23.mp3

Summary

Krishna Said -

A person who delights only in his self has no duties to perform. As he has nothing to gain by action or inaction, he does not have to approach or depend on anyone for attaining his purpose. Perform disinterested action — this will lead to the highest. This is how Janaka and others attained perfection. (King Janaka, Sita’s father was a Raja Yogi. He performed all the kingly duties and lived in kingly comfort, with his mind absorbed in Reality and detached from material things.)

Work to set the right example.  People follow great men and accept their standards. The effect you have on others is a reason for you to act. Though I have no duty and there is nothing yet for me to attain, I am still engaged in action. If I were not vigilantly active, people would follow my example.

Detail :

3:17 He who loves his Self (Atmarati) and is contented in his Self, who is happy in his Self alone, no work/duty is known (exists) of such a person (tasya kAryam na vidyatE).
3:18 For him no there is no purpose served by doing or not doing, and for him there is no self-interest in any beings.
3:19 Therefore do your karma and kartavya (duty) properly but always in a detached way. A person attains the ultimate by practicing his karma in a detached way.
3:20 Janaka and others attained samsiddhi (good attainments) through karma alone. You should “do” even if you consider only the world order.
3:21 Whatever a better person practices that alone do the other people practice. Whatever he makes the pramANa (authority), people follow that.
3:22 Partha! There is no duty for me, in this world at all. There is nothing unattained or undesired, still I engage (varta – move) in karma.
3:23 If I don’t move in karma (do), alertly, all people will follow my behaviour.

Discussion :

Marketers use this concept when getting movie stars and cricketers to endorse their products. We look to people of high attainment and emulate their behaviour to be like them. So even people who have attained yOga and detachment, must continue to do niyata karma – prescribed duties, otherwise the wrong message will go out to other people.

What do I get from doing detached duty well?
The ultimate. Bhagavat Sakshatkaara.

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A person who delights only in his self has no duties to perform. As he has nothing to gain by action or inaction, he does not have to approach or depend on anyone for attaining his purpose. Perform disinterested action — this will lead to the highest. This is how Janaka and others attained perfection. (King Janaka, Sita’s father was a Raja Yogi. He performed all the kingly duties and lived in kingly comfort, with his mind absorbed in Reality and detached from material things. – Satya )

Work to set the right example.  People follow great men and accept their standards. The effect you have on others is a reason for you to act. Though I have no duty and there is nothing yet for me to attain, I am still engaged in action. If I were not vigilantly active, people would follow my example.

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