The Philosophy of the Karma Yoga of the Bhagavadgita : 3. Swami Krishnananda

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The Philosophy of the Karma Yoga of the Bhagavadgita : 3.  Swami Krishnananda
(Spoken on July 15, 1979.)
15/07/2019.
3.

Now, all these are the sort of negative attitudes which the mind is compelled to project under the pressure of circumstances. There is a difference between subjection to pressure of any kind and a deliberately chosen rational attitude to things. Positivity has to be distinguished from negativity of every kind. An aversion to something is to be differentiated from a love for something. Sadhana is not an aversion to something. Though it may apparently take a shape of withdrawal, this withdrawal is a conditional act tending towards a positive approach to a larger dimension of life as a whole.

Renunciation is not an attitude of disgust with the world. It is a preparatory step that we take to train ourselves for understanding the very same world in a better manner, like the withdrawal of a laboratory technician in a scientific institute, for instance, who may lock himself up in the darkness of the laboratory, not because he is averse to relationships with things, but because he has to experiment with certain facts of life with which he will be able to face life in a better manner. Renunciation is a necessity, and internal withdrawal from external activity, which is usually called renunciation, may be also regarded as a necessary condition, but they are all preparatory steps and not ultimate values.

The aim of life is ultimately an inclusive attitude of consciousness, and not an exclusiveness at any time. The withdrawal physically, socially or politically is, therefore, something like a runner in a race who lags back only to rush forward again after a few seconds. It is a technique which is called for by the biological conditions of the body, or perhaps even psychologically. We cannot understand God unless we understand the world. “First and foremost make peace with your brother before you make peace with God,” is an admonition which may be applicable to every one of us. We should not go from this world with the idea that we have an enemy. That would be a very disadvantageous circumstance in which to quit the world.
To be continued ...


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