Fifth in the series, the present article is an exploration into the deeper dimensions of the path of renunciation. The Geeta is a text of self discovery based upon the gradual self evolution starting from desire driven actions to the action performed without attachment and ultimately getting anchored into equanimity and equipoise. Named as Karma Sanyasa Yoga or the Yoga of action and renunciation, the chapter opens with a question by Arjuna whether renunciation or the performance of actions without attachment is better. Lord Krishna suggests Arjuna to follow the path of action with a detached state of the mind. Delving deep into the dynamism of actions, Lord Krishna does not emphasise the physical abandonment of actions. Just to renounce actions is not Sanyasa or the path of renunciation. A real renunciate is one who is totally established in a mental state of equilibrium and free from the mental tendencies of the pairs of opposite.

 

This is the state of mental resilience described in the modern texts of Psychology and Emotional Intelligence. Lord Krishna reconciles both the path of renunciation and path of actions. Both the paths lead to the same result. The mental equipoise achieved through the path of renunciation is also acquired by performing actions without being attached to them. So there is no contradiction between the two. First, actions are to be performed without attachment. This mode of performing actions leads to the path of renunciation. Hence performance of righteous duties without getting attached to it is the stepping stone to reach the pinnacle of renunciation. The ego acts as the great hurdle on the spiritual path of self evolution. Surrendering ego or the sense of doer to the Almighty, one becomes free from the bondage and is established in a harmonious state of consciousness. It is just like the lotus which remains in the water , but is not affected by it.

 

This is the only way to achieve permanent peace and tranquility. Time and again Lord Krishna is pointing out the importance of the mental attitude rather than just leaving the physical actions. The performance of the actions without attachment establishes the practitioner into the bliss consciousness. In such a state of consciousness, one views the supreme spark of divinity and treats everyone equally without discrimination . This is the universal message of the Geeta that everyone is equal. The problem of discrimination and injustice arises due to our impure and faulty consciousness and way of seeing. A person with a spiritual mindset is always engaged in the welfare of all. In order to achieve this exalted state of the mind, Lord Krishna prescribes breathing exercises and meditation techniques. By focusing on the incoming and outgoing breaths and fixing the gaze between the eyebrows, one can easily stabilise the tumultuous waves of the mind. Modern psychotherapists are recommending these breathing and meditation exercises to calm and relax the anxious mind. Thus by practising these Yogic tools, one is able to control his material craving, fear and anger. These emotions are great hurdles to mental health and resilience. By overcoming them through Yoga and performing actions without attachment, one is established in a blissful state of the consciousness. (The writer is Former DG Police & CG, Homeguards, Maharashtra) ■