Selfless Labour
PARMARTHI RAINA
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We work for our livelihood, to provide for our family and contribute to society . Vedic scriptures tell us that the purpose of life is moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Bhagwad Gita recommends four yogas -karma, action or work; raja, meditation; jnana, knowledge; and bhakti, devotion -as paths to achieve this goal. Of these, karma yoga is the most practical.The classification of the varnas is based on an individual's nature and character, which is believed to be formed by the three gunas of prakriti, or modes of material nature. However, over time, the varnashrama system was perverted and duties came to be assigned according to varnas subdivided into castes on a hereditary basis.
In today's competitive world, finding a profession based on one's svadharma is not the norm. The tendency is to work for the highest remuneration, or to do whatever work one gets in this era of growing unemployment, even if it is incompatible with one's nature and disposition. So, whatever work one is doing can be accepted as svadharma.
The Gita says that all occupations are equally good, be they of a sanyasi or householder, of a judge or sweeper, and when performed to the best of one's ability and without attachment, help in advancing on the spiritual path. Generally , we work for personal gain or satisfaction, which is a selfish motive. Selfish actions dissipate moral energy and do not promote spiritual development. Karma yoga is a system of ethics focused on unselfish action.
In today's competitive world, finding a profession based on one's svadharma is not the norm. The tendency is to work for the highest remuneration, or to do whatever work one gets in this era of growing unemployment, even if it is incompatible with one's nature and disposition. So, whatever work one is doing can be accepted as svadharma.
The Gita says that all occupations are equally good, be they of a sanyasi or householder, of a judge or sweeper, and when performed to the best of one's ability and without attachment, help in advancing on the spiritual path. Generally , we work for personal gain or satisfaction, which is a selfish motive. Selfish actions dissipate moral energy and do not promote spiritual development. Karma yoga is a system of ethics focused on unselfish action.
