'Karma' and 'Jnyana'

  "'To do' or 'not to do' that's the question". Arjuna in the Bhagavad-Gita.  

 Whatever one does attracts the fruits of action. None can keep quiet. Hence, right knowledge is advocated by the wise. 'Right knowledge' is important; but, it is hard to come by for we are at different levels of existence. Bhagavan Shree Krishna says, 'Arjuna, it is difficult to understand what i say'! He adds, 'Many scholars think they know and speak as if they have understood My words. Certainly, they do not understand for it requires a certain higher level of understanding'. Here, in Ch. III verse 1, Arjuna says, 'O Janardana, if you say wisdom is superior to action, why do you ask me to take recourse to action? Again, in Ch. V. verse 1, Arjuna says, "O Krishna, you praise renunciation of action. Tell me for certain, which is superior, action or renunciation?  Here, one should add the word 'yoga' after 'karma' (action) and after 'sanyasa' (renunciation). 'Karma yoga' means action without desire for fruits of action (karma phala). This renunciation of fruits of action is superior to action with desire for fruits of action. However, the mortals are driven to action by desire and in the course of this, the jivi acquires fruits of action and the seeds of rebirth! But, the Lord is very clear about renunciation and says, "Offer all your actions to Me. The fruits of action (karma phala) will not bind you"! This is the easiest way to escape the results of deeds (paapa and punya) that create bondage!

  Now, as to action (Karma) and renunciation (Sanyasa), it is better to combine the two and make it 'karmasanyasa! Karma sanyasa yoga is advocated to attain emancipation. Do everything as ordained and leave the result to His Will. As to Knowledge, the Lord says, "Wisdom is superior to action". Nahin jnyanena sadrusham. But, the Lord says, 'Do your duty'. Here action is advocated by the Lord. So Arjuna is confused and askes, which is better: Action or wisdom? The answer is tricky, again. It is action with wisdom. The Lord says, yogasu karma koushalam! But wisdom is not forthcoming so easily?

 The eternal question is how to perform action with wisdom. The answer is :tasmad yogirbhava arjunaa! One should perform action in the name of the Lord and thereby seek emancipation. Action begets reaction. Rebirth is certain whether one does good deeds or bad deeds. Having done good deeds, the jiva has to enjoy its fruits and take birth here on this earth where anything born has to die! So, there is no escape unless the jiva works for total emancipation, mukti, by total surrender to the Lord (Sharanagati tattva). 

 Thus, it is very clear that the tormented jivas looking for salvation have to take to Bhagavad-Gita upasane and follow the doctrines carefully. He, the Blessed Lord assures, "maam upetya tu kounteya sarva paapebhyo mokshayishyami... punarjanma na vidyate!"