Page 17 - Work - Joy - Evolution_Demo_FLB

You have the right only to work

Work You have no right to fruits

You have no right to the root causes of fruits

You have no right to revel in inaction
Fig 2.3: Action, Outcome and One’s Role

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Let’s address the biggest questions about this śloka . People
immediately ask, “Does this mean no more targets/goals”? This
appears like a very straight implication of this śloka. If we don’t
have any control over fruits, then why are we having targets?
There is no indication in the sloka that we need not fix targets.
On the other hand, a correct interpretation of the sloka will
inform us that we must fix targets as it is independent of what is
being suggested in the sloka. However, it is too simplistic to
think that what we fixed as targets will always happen. The
approach that Krishna seems to be advocating is:
• Fix targets
• Put your best foot forward in terms of efforts
• There’s a great chance we will get it. However,
sometimes we may not
• Develop that maturity and grace to accept whatever
comes

If one can approach work with this perspective and attitude,
then such a person will be able to take the pros and cons of
work with a mind of equanimity. Krishna calls this attitude of
working with equanimity yoga.
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Yoga – The Efficient Way of Working

Work done with an understanding of action, results, the
relationship therein, and the mental attitude that one is
required to develop on these matters are all collectively
referred to as “Yoga Buddhi”. With this, sukṛt and duṣkṛt or the

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