After having done what we could, we must leave it to God, and become an observer
How is this word defined in English? An observer is a person who watches or notices something. But in Sanskrit, it has wider meaning. To understand it, let us refer to the verse # 2.47 of the Bhagavad-Geeta. What does this very famous verse teach us? “You have a right only in action, not ever in predetermining its fruits (results). You should not try to speculate about the fruit of action.” What do we normally do? We are habituated to speculate, predetermine, get attached to results, etc. Unfortunately, we have not been given this right. So, what happens? We suffer.This article is to dissuade us from acting in this fashion, because of ‘gahana karmano faith’ (the intricacy of action is very difficult to understand).
The following example will clarify. We apply for a job, as do so many. We have certain qualifications. Do they match with what the job requirements are in the eyes of those deciding? They ask certain questions, for which we are not well prepared, but someone else is. How do they formulate these questions? As we go deeper into it, complications compound. Because what will ultimately happen is what was destined. This is the eternal truth. We all get what is destined, no more or no less.
Another example will shed more light on the subject. A golf player reaches the top of the world standing, but then his form dives. What happened? Good karmaphalas took him to the top, but when bad karmaphalas manifested, his fortune suffered greatly. This we do not accept and keep on struggling.What should we do? Do we have an option to overturn our luck? We do and we don’t. First, we cannot do anything about it, even if God doesn’t intervene. Why? Because the creation functions based on the ‘Karmaphala Principle’, which is: “What we sow we reap.” Every act by body, mind and words results in a fruit good or bad. These must come to fruition. Then, are we stuck? No, we are not. God is very kind; we are never condemned. We have to approach God for help. Why? Because God can help us come out of our bad karmaphalas. It is not easy, though we have to start doing what yogis do, which is, “karma-yogis, giving up attachment, perform acts by body, mind, intelligence and by senses also for self-purification only.” God is very generous; He begins to help us as we get started.Let us go into further details about what happens and can happen, if we approach God. There is just not one type of help available. In verse #7.16, Lord Krishna has commended four kinds of people, out of which two are distressed and seekers of wealth. In the last verse of the Geeta, Sanjay has spoken about being blessed with opulence, victory, wealth and morality, if one makes a connection with God. (18.78) These are the other types of our desires. But what we will ultimately get will be decided by God only. Therefore, after having done what we could we must leave it to God, i.e. become an observer. If we wish to further secure ourselves, then, we must become devotees of God.
In the second part of this verse, Lord Krishna mentions that His devotees become special. What happens? God takes charge of their lives. What does it mean? (11.33) Some famous examples besides of Arjuna are Adi Shankaracharya, who established four ‘mathas’ in Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Sringeri. God used Swami Vivekananda to spread Sanatana dharma across the world. These are very famous examples, but, those placed in the lower levels of devotion, are used for doing good to people around them. We, souls, expected to do two roles? One is to do our duties, and the other is to constantly evaluate what we are doing. This is what being an observer is. In the case of non-devotees, God is an observer, and in the case of devotees, they become observers. Because God takes the role of ‘Karta’ (doer) in their lives. They have reached the third level while doing karma (duties) and having taken ‘sharan’ (shelter). They can well and truly become observers fully assured about their future. How else?
(The writer is a spiritual guide; views are personal)
Become an observer
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05.12.2023
After having done what we could, we must leave it to God, and become an observer
How is this word defined in English? An observer is a person who watches or notices something. But in Sanskrit, it has wider meaning. To understand it, let us refer to the verse # 2.47 of the Bhagavad-Geeta. What does this very famous verse teach us? “You have a right only in action, not ever in predetermining its fruits (results). You should not try to speculate about the fruit of action.” What do we normally do? We are habituated to speculate, predetermine, get attached to results, etc. Unfortunately, we have not been given this right. So, what happens? We suffer.This article is to dissuade us from acting in this fashion, because of ‘gahana karmano faith’ (the intricacy of action is very difficult to understand).
The following example will clarify. We apply for a job, as do so many. We have certain qualifications. Do they match with what the job requirements are in the eyes of those deciding? They ask certain questions, for........
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