Desireless Action in the Bhagavadgītā

Abstract

In the Bhagavadgītā, Kṛṣṇa's injunction is to act without desire in many verses. Many modern scholars have criticized and tried to reinterpret Kṛṣṇa's injunction in the Bhagavadgītā to perform action abandoning all kāma "desire." These modern scholars have tried to re-understand Kṛṣṇa's injunction for desireless action assuming the modern dogma that intentional action entails desire. The aim of the present essay is to examine the cogency of the advocacy of desireless action by understanding how the desireless action is performed.

On the Meaning of Yoga in Srimad Bhagavad Gita

“…4] 2-49 shloka: Here the emphasis is laid on doing the deeds without any thoughts of results (i.e. Nishkama karma) for greater good of all -the concept of 'Institutional action' [12]. Buddhi Yoga here means actions performed with proper attitude guided by wisdom.…”

“…Vishwaroopa Darshana). Srikrishna being identified as a Yogeshwara is portrayed as a man of 'Institutional action' and an epitome of stillness (like a flicker-less candle in a windless place in verse 6-19) where all senses are under complete self-control [12].…”