248. Karma is the Foundation

It is generally believed that in the Bhagavad Gita, three paths are prescribed for attaining self realisation. These are Sankhya yoga which is a path of awareness for the intellect oriented, Bhakti yoga is a path of surrender for the heart oriented and Karma yoga is the path of action for the mind oriented.

Krishna says that only children, not the wise, speak of Sankhya and Karma yoga differently. He who is truly established in one obtains fruits of both (5.4). This is an indication that only children or beginners believe these three paths to be separate.

As we progress in the Bhagavad Gita, it becomes clearer that these three paths are not watertight. Instead, clarity appears that karma is the foundation for all these paths as each path involves some form of karma or another. For awareness, one could begin with reading, serving a master or meditating. In the case of bhakti, it could be ritualistic to begin with but in the end it is seeing HIM even in a thief, enemy as well a donkey.

At the end of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna concludes about Karma yoga and says that each karma is inherently marred by blemishes. This frees us from the guilt and hatred we carry about our karmas as our divisive mind keeps labelling them as good and bad. He encourages us to keep performing sahajam karma (natural deed) which is bestowed upon us by the present moment to the best of our abilities.

Whatever may be the path, it is about performing any karma realising that ideal karma is elusive; performing without attachment; without expecting fruits of action and by dropping hatred as well as desire. Krishna promises that with dedication to swa-karma (one's own deeds) one attains siddhi (perfection or freedom) as this devotion is nothing but worshipping HIM.