KARMA & DHARMA......

Always count your blessings & consider yourself as a fortune person. Indulging in self- pity is perhaps one of the worst kind of emotions in this world. Do not pretend to become a martyr for an unworthy cause. Also most importantly, never hold others responsible for your misfortune.

The Bhagwadgita clarifies the definition of friends and foes in verse 6 of Chapter 6:

"Udhredatam Natmanam

Natmanam Vasadayet

Atmaiav Hyatmano Bandhu

Atmaiav Ripuratamana"

One should constantly endeavour to raise oneself by performing good actions and must never do anything to degrade oneself. A man is his own greatest friend and his own worst enemy.

When good things happen to us, we either remain quiet because we think we deserve them or take them for granted. Negative events quickly invite our ire and disapproval, and we lose no time in putting the blame on others. Our ego prevents us from accepting any fault of ours. We find it extremely difficult to admit that we can do anything wrong.

Chapter 4, verse 14:

"Na Man Karmani Limpanti

Na Me Karamani Limpanti

Iti Mam Yo Abhijanati

Karsmbhi Na Sa Badhyate"

He very categorically states that He has no attachment with the fruits of anybody's actions. That is why He is not bound by any action. Those who know this reality do not get tied down to action or its result.

Chapter 5, verse 24:

"Na Katrivam Na Karmani

Lakasaya Srijati Prabhu

Na Karamphal Sanyogam

Swabhavastu Pravartate"

God has nothing to do with the ownership of man's actions or results or the fruits thereof. Everything is happening according to the nature of the person who is seen as the doer.

Krishna removes all doubts in this regard when he makes the following assertions in verse 15 of Chapter 5:

"Na Date Kadyachit Papam

Na Chaiv Sukritam Vibhu

Agyanenan Avritam Gyanam

Ten Muyanti Jantava"

The omnipresent Ishwara does not assume responsibility for either the sin or good dead of anyone. The ignorant ones constantly suffer from a delusion.

In brief, therefore it is important to own responsibility for all our actions and strongly resist the temptation of blaming others for our predicaments. The source and the origin of all our actions has to be traced back to our nature, and any correction that can be effected has to be carried out there and then, and not by blaming others. In any case, the blame game will not improve matters and we will continue to repeat the same mistake over and over again to our own detriment.

The Bhagwadgita makes the observations about - Desires, Attachment, Peace & Happiness. Chapter 2, verse 72:

"Vihaya Kamanaya Sarvan

Pumanshcharti Nispriha

Nirmamo Nirhankar

So Shantim Adhigachhati"

One, who had renounced all drsires, does not entertain any worldly aspirations, has no attachments and leads his life without any ego, attains peace and happiness.

A state of infinite peace & happiness is in fact our true state and we have completely forgotten it, forsaken it in exchange for a few material desires that can never assure lasting happiness. 

Chapter 12, verse 13 & 14:

"Advaishta Sarvabhutanam

Maitra Karuba Aiv Cha

Nirmamo Nirhankar

Samsukh Dukh Khashmi"

Those who nurture not hatred for anyone in this world, are friendly towards everyone, are compassionate, are completely detached, have no ego, remain equipoise in sorrow or happiness and are absolutely forgiving even to their enemies are my real devotees and are blessed.

"Santushtam Satatam Yogi

Yatatma Drirhnischaya

Mayyi Arpit Mabo Budhi

Madhbhakta Sa Me Priya"

Equally blessed are those who always remain contented within themselves are yogis and possess firm determination. In addition to the above those who have surrendered their heart and intellect to God remain dear to Him.

In conclusion, it is important to take a balanced view, optimize our desires in proportion to out basic needs and seek to achieve them in an ethical and firm manner. Nothing will damage and disturb your peace, as the combined effect of a vacillating mind and excessive material desires.