THE motto ‘Work is Worship’ is the very basis of Hinduism. Whatever may be the sphere of activity of a person, he is expected to discharge his obligations to the best of his ability, honesty and diligently and as dedication to God. Every act should be governed by absolute rectitude. A person should feel that the work he undertakes has been entrusted to him by God and that the latter, seated in his heart, is closely watching his attitude, whether he is corrupt or attempts to cheat others. If this righteous conduct is integrated with his day to day activities, there will be no disharmony in his life. Such a deep and total involvement in his work, backed by righteousness, is termed ‘Dharma’. Adoption of this code by everyone, in each deed, will remove selfishness and pave the way for a pure and well-balanced existence. All religious-minded and God-fearing men are fully conscious of the fact that their actions are governed by His decisions. Nothing in this world can take place without Divine sanction.
Out of mercy, God supplies all the needs of His devotees and takes care of them. They are quite aware that all happenings are for good. God has also prescribed the method to obtain His grace – by giving up attachment, avoiding desire and shedding ego.
God is the indweller of all creations, directing them every minute and guiding their activities. He controls all their actions and if this is understood by men, all problems can be overcome. What the human being should do is to discard desires, eschew malice, refrain from hating others and shun ego. These in turn, could be achieved by acquiring spiritual knowledge. Wants have no limits but, man should endeavour to curb them and develop detachment towards worldly objects.
Duryodhana was a typical example of how pride would destroy a man. He was full of malice and God made the special rite he performed to counter the one conducted by Yudhishtira, a waste. God stations Himself in the hearts of devotees. Perverted egoism will vanish as soon as transcendental knowledge dawns upon a person. He can then withstand the forceful impulses born of lust and anger. Birth in this world, in whatever form it may be, is the result of one’s past acts. The consequences for these deeds in previous lives, good as well as bad, ought to be experienced. No one can avoid them nor can escape from them. But God provides opportunities for those born as human beings, to desist from repeating them now, so that there will be freedom from re-birth. What should be done for securing it has been detailed in the scriptural authority. In brief, “Uphold Divine law to the best of your ability” is the main directive given. The study of the Mahabharata will enable
a sincere person to understand what should be done and what ought to be rejected. You are here yourself at His pleasure. Do you mean to say, you help Him? You worship. When you give a morsel of food to the dog, you worship the dog as God. God is in that dog. He is the dog. He is all and in all. We are allowed to worship Him. Stand in that reverent attitude to the whole universe, and then will come perfect non-attachment. This should be your duty. This is the proper attitude of work. This is the secret taught by Karma Yoga.
Balgangadharnath Swamiji Adichunchanagiri Math