For the past 45 years, I have had a constant companion, a little book with a poetic rendition of the Bhagavad Gita printed in 1904, the same translation that Master and Papa carried with them (by Sir Edwin Arnold). It has been a source of inspiration and insight that has remained fresh and alive through the years. Some others have told me its poetic translation makes it difficult to penetrate, but I have always found it a reflection of the Gita’s Sanskrit that makes it a “Song Celestial.”
In the fifth chapter of the Gita Arjuna wants clarification from Krishna. At one point Krishna has said to sit in meditation and go beyond creation as a focus for sadhana, and at other times he says to be active in the world and perform actions without attachment to the results—selfless service. Should we renounce the world and sit in meditation only or fulfill our duty with right attitude?
Arjuna.
Yet, Krishna! at the one time thou dost laud
Surcease of works, and, at another time,
Service through work. Of these twain plainly tell
Which is the better way?
Krishna.
To cease from works
Is well, and to do works in holiness
Is well; and both conduct to bliss supreme;
But of these twain the better way is his
Who working piously refraineth not.
That is the true Renouncer, firm and fixed,
Who — seeking nought, rejecting nought — dwells proof
Against the “opposites.” O valiant Prince!
In doing, such breaks lightly from all deed:
‘Tis the new scholar talks as they were two,
This Sankhya and this (Karma) Yoga: wise men know
Who husbands one plucks golden fruit of both!
….Whoso is fixed in holiness, self-ruled,
Pure-hearted, lord of senses and of self,
Lost in the common life of all which lives –
A “Yogayukt” — he is a Saint who wends
Straightway to Brahm. Such an one is not touched
By taint of deeds. “Nought of myself I do!”
Thus will he think-who holds the truth of truths.
There are few who can retire from the activities of life full time and exclusively merge into God. Better to lead a life of balance, fulfill your duties in life and purify your body and mind by being “in the world, not of the world.” Time in meditation anchors us to the true Self and then to go out into this world and do all as His faithful servant. With such a right attitude you merge and become one with highest consciousness, seeing God as the sole doer.