'The Predicament'

 "To do, or Not to do" is the predicament like the Shakespearean "To Be' or 'Not to Be' in Hamlet. This refers to 'Karma' and 'Sanyasa' in the Gita. Bhagavan Sri Krishna says, "karma or action is a must, an ordained duty, that must be performed (Fighting the Battle is a must for Arjuna as a Kshatriya)". This has reference to caste system. But what is the position when there is no caste system is not clear? This is the case in a secular State or a State where there is no caste system. There is no compulsion these days and anybody can take up any job irrespective of the caste in which he/she is born. There is freedom of choice, and all are welcome to choose a profession of one's choice, if qualified for the job. There is no gender discrimination, too. However, the predicament here is to act or not in specific cases. It is very clear that a doctor cannot refuse to treat a patient. No one can run away from the assigned duties, especially in the Defense forces. However, nobody can force a person to join the Defense forces unless there is an emergency and conscription. It's one's sweet will and pleasure to join the Air Force or Navy or Army.

  The real predicament is one of action (karma) or inaction (akarma). This has reference to Bhagavan's utterances with regard to inferior values of action (of karma) when compared to sanyasa (karma sanyasa) where giving up the greed or expectation in return for action that is superior. karma saynyasa is free from bondage although the fruits of action accrue. One is advised to do action without any expectation in return (nishkama karma). Giving up greed or doing work with profit motive is stressed here. any work that is done for the welfare of people-at-large is more beneficial than work done with selfish interest. The Gita is all about nishkama karma. It says karmanyavadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana |

 The predicament disappears when one does action as per the principles of the Gita. Here, in the Gita, it is enunciated that Karma is good when done with selfless intention. It is better to act with wisdom and equanimity (yogasu karma koushalam). It is buddhiyoga (jnyan yoga). There are any number of ways to act with discretion, equanimity, social service without profit motive and even restraint from doing harmful things even under compulsion or situations that warrant! 

  Hence all actions are welcome when it is for the welfare of society and done with equanimity. Actions performed in the name of the Lord are far superior to actions done for personal benefits. Even preparing food and eating without first offering to God (as naivedyam) is a sin. Ultimately, it's the action oriented to liberation, salvation (mukti/moksha) through knowledge of the Self (Atmajnyan) that is far superior to all other actions. Act only if you must, and act with knowledge of consequences and desist from all actions that binds you to repeated births and deaths is the message conveyed here in the Gita (muktiyoga rahasya).