This is the 3rdand final talk in the Transcending Karma Series.
When the Brian Adams song “Everything I Do” came out some years ago it quickly became a world-hit. Millions of people all over the world were drawn to it. What was the ‘message’ of the song that was attracting everyone? It was of being loved and loving unconditionally and of complete devotion. These are things that all people are drawn to because it is connected with our inner spiritual and eternal nature.
In this talk, we discuss the development of Karma-yoga into its natural conclusion – Bhakti, and how this condition means a person can live in this world but not be ‘of this world’. How it is possible to be engaged in action yet free from all the karmic reaction – to become completely liberated and enlightened. This is the life of deep spiritual devotion to the highest object of love, the Supreme Soul.
Some verses from the Bhagavad-gita address this subject and are meant as guidance for our lives. Meditating upon them from time to time is extremely beneficial.
Bg. 3.6 – One who restrains the senses of action but whose mind dwells on sense objects certainly deludes himself and is called a pretender.
Bg. 3.7 – On the other hand, if a sincere person tries to control the active senses by the mind and begins karma-yoga without attachment, he is by far superior.
Bg. 3.9 – Work done as a sacrifice for the Supreme Soul has to be performed, otherwise work causes bondage in this material world. Therefore, O son of Kuntī, perform your prescribed duties for His satisfaction, and in that way you will always remain free from bondage.
Bg. 3.30 – Therefore, O Arjuna, surrendering all your works unto Me, with full knowledge of Me, without desires for profit, with no claims to proprietorship, and free from lethargy, fight.
Bg. 3.31 – Those persons who execute their duties according to My injunctions and who follow this teaching faithfully, without envy, become free from the bondage of fruitive actions.
Bg. 4.41 – One who acts in devotional service, renouncing the fruits of his actions, and whose doubts have been destroyed by transcendental knowledge, is situated factually in the self. Thus he is not bound by the reactions of work.
Bg. 5.2 – The Personality of Godhead replied: The renunciation of work and work in devotion are both good for liberation. But, of the two, work in devotional service is better than renunciation of work.
Bg. 5.3 – One who neither hates nor desires the fruits of his activities is known to be always renounced. Such a person, free from all dualities, easily overcomes material bondage and is completely liberated, O mighty-armed Arjuna.
Bg 9.26 – If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.
Bg. 9.27 – O son of Kunti [Arjuna], all that you do, all that you eat, all that you offer and give away, as well as all austerities that you may perform, should be done as an offering unto Me.
Bg 9.28 – In this way you will be freed from bondage to work and its auspicious and inauspicious results. With your mind fixed on Me in this principle of renunciation, you will be liberated and come to Me.
