UNDERSTANDING KARMA ON THE PLATFORM OF JNANA (4.16 – 4.24)

(a) Definition of “one in full knowledge” (4.19)

Every endeavor is devoid of desire for sense gratification and thus,
The reactions of work have been burnt up by the fire of knowledge
o Analogy: “fire” of “knowledge” burns up reactions to work

(b) Which knowledge is referred to in Text 4.19 – “knowledge” of eternal servitorship

Analogies: Hand as a part of body / Living like animal (study purport)

(d) Desiring only basic necessities (4.21)

Analogy: As a machine part needs oiling (study purport)

(e) Texts 4.23 – 4.24 explain how working in consciousness as per Texts 4.19 – 4.23 reveals Brahman

(f) Text 4.23 introduces “yajna” which is the topic for next section

(g) Text 4.24 tells “perfect cure” for a materially entangled soul – Krishna consciousness is the
perfect cure

Activities of the material world, when performed in Krishna consciousness becomes spiritualized by complete absorption.
Analogy: Indigestion caused by milk products is cured by another milk product i.e yogurt or curd.

(h) Krishna consciousness – a process of converting illusory consciousness into Brahman (4.24)

The word “Brahma” (Brahman) means “spiritual” – The Lord is spiritual and the rays of His transcendental body are called Brahmajyoti.
Everything is situated in that Brahmajyoti but when the jyoti is covered by illusion or sense gratification, it is called material.
How to remove this material veil – by Krishna consciousness
Offering for the sake of Krishna consciousness, the consuming agent, the process of consumption, the contributor and the result are all combined together “brahman” or the Absolute Truth.

(i) Mind in Samadhi refers to the mind fully absorbed in Krishna consciousness

Anything done in such transcendental consciousness is called “yajna”
All the components involved in the sacrifice becomes one with the absolute

(a) This vere explains one who is intelligent and one who is in the transcendental position

One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction is intelligent although engaged in all sorts of activities.

(b) Immunity to all sorts of reactionary elements of work – How to achieve?

By sense of “Eternal servitorship to Krishna”.

For whom – All acts done for Krishna.
Attitude
o No desire for sense gratification
o Acts as eternal servitor
Result – Enjoys transcendental happiness (not available to impersonalists)

(d) Vikarma

For whom – Work with attachment
Attitude – Against scriptural injunctions
Result – Bad reaction (4.17)

(e) Karma

For whom – work with attachment
Attitude – according to sastras
Result – good reaction
Facility – Krishna creates Varnasrama according to quality and work

(f) What is “renunciation of work”

It is action in inaction
Result – Get reaction
Short explanation – “Action in inaction” is the opposite. A sannyasi without transcendental knowledge of Krishna may appear not to be performing work, but as a soul, he can’t avoid either activity or the entangling results of that activity. Devoid of transcendental knowledge about Krishna, he must act, but he cannot act in Krishna’s service, for he has no knowledge of Krishna. He is thus liable to all reactions.
E.g. The sannyasi must breathe. He also must eat. He steps on living entities as he walks. Without Krishna consciousness all these activities have no transcendental basis for him, and thus reactions accrue to him.

LINK BETWEEN 4.18 & 4.19 : Every soul is unavoidably active. Artificial attempts at inactivity lead to a further danger; that of unengaged senses coupled with an impure mind. Anyone who attempts spiritual practices while the mind meditates on sense enjoyment will fall down, even if such an unfortunate “renunciant” appears to be less involved in the world than a devotee. Krishna further explains this verse in Text 19.

Text 4.19 – 4.24

COMMON THEME : “Akarma in Karma” (inaction in action)

SYMPTOMS / QUALITIES OF ONE “WORKING IN TRANSCENDENCE” –
For ease of memorization the points below are given a pneumonic with 4 D’s, 4 F’s and 4 S’s

1. Main characteristic – Works without attachment (Detached) to sense gratification (4.19)
2. Detached from fruits – Acts without fruitive attachment, although engaged in all undertakings (4.20)
3. Ever-Satisfied and independent (4.20*)
4. Self-control – Mind and intelligence fully controlled (4.21)
5. Freedom from sense of proprietorship (4.21)
6. Desires only bare necessities (4.21)
7. Self-satisfaction – Satisfied with whatever comes by providence with no over-endeavor (4.22*)
8. Freedom from duality – nothing can hamper his service (4.22*)
9. Steadiness – Steady in success and failure (4.22*)
10. Freedom from envy (4.22*)
11. Detached from the modes (4.23*)
12. Fully situated in transcendental knowledge (4.23*)
13. Such kind of work merges into transcendence (4.23*)
14. Absolute quality of a sacrifice performed in Krishna consciousness has no reaction (4.24)

LINK BETWEEN 4.20 & 4.21 : Text 4.20 describes sadhaka stage. Texts 4.21 – 4.22 describes siddha stage.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.21 & 4.22: Text 4.21 speaks of a highly advanced, perfected devotee who is constantly greedy for Krishna’s service. He considers himself insignificant and gives no importance to anything outside that service. His qualities will now be further described.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.22 & 4.23: Text 4.23 introduces yajna which will be expanded upon in Texts 4.25 – 4.33.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.23 & 4.24: Krishna summarizes His teachings on akarma by next describing the absolute quality of a sacrifice performed in spiritual consciousness.

IMPORTANT NOTE :

Acting in a devotional mood with freedom from the desires of sense gratification uncovers the spiritual nature. In this way, acts of sacrifice connect one with transcendence.

Sacrifice uncovers spiritual nature and reveals Brahman as follows
o Maya (illusion) is that which covers spirit.
o Desire for sense gratification invokes maya.
o Detachment from sense gratification dissolves maya and thus reveals spirit (Brahman).

Learnings from Purport 4.19 – 4.24

(a) Definition of “one in full knowledge” (4.19)

Every endeavor is devoid of desire for sense gratification and thus,
The reactions of work have been burnt up by the fire of knowledge
o Analogy: “fire” of “knowledge” burns up reactions to work

(b) Which knowledge is referred to in Text 4.19 – “knowledge” of eternal servitorship

Analogies: Hand as a part of body / Living like animal (study purport)

(d) Desiring only basic necessities (4.21)

Analogy: As a machine part needs oiling (study purport)

(e) Texts 4.23 – 4.24 explain how working in consciousness as per Texts 4.19 – 4.23 reveals Brahman

(f) Text 4.23 introduces “yajna” which is the topic for next section

(g) Text 4.24 tells “perfect cure” for a materially entangled soul – Krishna consciousness is the
perfect cure

Activities of the material world, when performed in Krishna consciousness becomes spiritualized by complete absorption.
Analogy: Indigestion caused by milk products is cured by another milk product i.e yogurt or curd.

(h) Krishna consciousness – a process of converting illusory consciousness into Brahman (4.24)

The word “Brahma” (Brahman) means “spiritual” – The Lord is spiritual and the rays of His transcendental body are called Brahmajyoti.
Everything is situated in that Brahmajyoti but when the jyoti is covered by illusion or sense gratification, it is called material.
How to remove this material veil – by Krishna consciousness
Offering for the sake of Krishna consciousness, the consuming agent, the process of consumption, the contributor and the result are all combined together “brahman” or the Absolute Truth.

(i) Mind in Samadhi refers to the mind fully absorbed in Krishna consciousness

Anything done in such transcendental consciousness is called “yajna”
All the components involved in the sacrifice becomes one with the absolute

(a) This vere explains one who is intelligent and one who is in the transcendental position

One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction is intelligent although engaged in all sorts of activities.

(b) Immunity to all sorts of reactionary elements of work – How to achieve?

By sense of “Eternal servitorship to Krishna”.

For whom – All acts done for Krishna.
Attitude
o No desire for sense gratification
o Acts as eternal servitor
Result – Enjoys transcendental happiness (not available to impersonalists)

(d) Vikarma

For whom – Work with attachment
Attitude – Against scriptural injunctions
Result – Bad reaction (4.17)

(e) Karma

For whom – work with attachment
Attitude – according to sastras
Result – good reaction
Facility – Krishna creates Varnasrama according to quality and work

(f) What is “renunciation of work”

It is action in inaction
Result – Get reaction
Short explanation – “Action in inaction” is the opposite. A sannyasi without transcendental knowledge of Krishna may appear not to be performing work, but as a soul, he can’t avoid either activity or the entangling results of that activity. Devoid of transcendental knowledge about Krishna, he must act, but he cannot act in Krishna’s service, for he has no knowledge of Krishna. He is thus liable to all reactions.
E.g. The sannyasi must breathe. He also must eat. He steps on living entities as he walks. Without Krishna consciousness all these activities have no transcendental basis for him, and thus reactions accrue to him.

Text 4.19 – 4.24

COMMON THEME : “Akarma in Karma” (inaction in action)

SYMPTOMS / QUALITIES OF ONE “WORKING IN TRANSCENDENCE” –
For ease of memorization the points below are given a pneumonic with 4 D’s, 4 F’s and 4 S’s

LINK BETWEEN 4.20 & 4.21 : Text 4.20 describes sadhaka stage. Texts 4.21 – 4.22 describes siddha stage.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.22 & 4.23: Text 4.23 introduces yajna which will be expanded upon in Texts 4.25 – 4.33.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.23 & 4.24: Krishna summarizes His teachings on akarma by next describing the absolute quality of a sacrifice performed in spiritual consciousness.

IMPORTANT NOTE :

Acting in a devotional mood with freedom from the desires of sense gratification uncovers the spiritual nature. In this way, acts of sacrifice connect one with transcendence.

Learnings from Purport 4.19 – 4.24

(a) Definition of “one in full knowledge” (4.19)

Every endeavor is devoid of desire for sense gratification and thus,
The reactions of work have been burnt up by the fire of knowledge
o Analogy: “fire” of “knowledge” burns up reactions to work

(b) Which knowledge is referred to in Text 4.19 – “knowledge” of eternal servitorship

Analogies: Hand as a part of body / Living like animal (study purport)

(d) Desiring only basic necessities (4.21)

Analogy: As a machine part needs oiling (study purport)

(e) Texts 4.23 – 4.24 explain how working in consciousness as per Texts 4.19 – 4.23 reveals Brahman

(f) Text 4.23 introduces “yajna” which is the topic for next section

(g) Text 4.24 tells “perfect cure” for a materially entangled soul – Krishna consciousness is the
perfect cure

Activities of the material world, when performed in Krishna consciousness becomes spiritualized by complete absorption.
Analogy: Indigestion caused by milk products is cured by another milk product i.e yogurt or curd.

(h) Krishna consciousness – a process of converting illusory consciousness into Brahman (4.24)

The word “Brahma” (Brahman) means “spiritual” – The Lord is spiritual and the rays of His transcendental body are called Brahmajyoti.
Everything is situated in that Brahmajyoti but when the jyoti is covered by illusion or sense gratification, it is called material.
How to remove this material veil – by Krishna consciousness
Offering for the sake of Krishna consciousness, the consuming agent, the process of consumption, the contributor and the result are all combined together “brahman” or the Absolute Truth.

(i) Mind in Samadhi refers to the mind fully absorbed in Krishna consciousness

Anything done in such transcendental consciousness is called “yajna”
All the components involved in the sacrifice becomes one with the absolute

(a) Why learn this subject

If one is serious about liberation from material bondage, one has to understand the distinctions.
Applied to such analysis because it is such a difficult subject matter.

(b) What is the conclusion that Bhagavad-gita is directed towards

To know every living entity as an eternal servitor of Krishna.
Action in Krishna consciousness is the action free from three modes.

(c) How to learn this subject – Associate with authorities in Krishna consciousness; this is as good as learning from the Lord directly.

LINK BETWEEN 4.17 & 4.18 : Having introduced the term vikarma, Krishna returns to the distinction between karma and akarma.

Text 4.18

THEME : Seeing ‘action in inaction’ and ‘inaction in action’ – Freedom from reaction can result from proper action and sinful reaction can result from improper renunciation.

Learnings from Purport 4.18

(a) This vere explains one who is intelligent and one who is in the transcendental position

One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction is intelligent although engaged in all sorts of activities.

(b) Immunity to all sorts of reactionary elements of work – How to achieve?

By sense of “Eternal servitorship to Krishna”.

For whom – All acts done for Krishna.
Attitude
o No desire for sense gratification
o Acts as eternal servitor
Result – Enjoys transcendental happiness (not available to impersonalists)

(d) Vikarma

For whom – Work with attachment
Attitude – Against scriptural injunctions
Result – Bad reaction (4.17)

(e) Karma

For whom – work with attachment
Attitude – according to sastras
Result – good reaction
Facility – Krishna creates Varnasrama according to quality and work

(f) What is “renunciation of work”

It is action in inaction
Result – Get reaction
Short explanation – “Action in inaction” is the opposite. A sannyasi without transcendental knowledge of Krishna may appear not to be performing work, but as a soul, he can’t avoid either activity or the entangling results of that activity. Devoid of transcendental knowledge about Krishna, he must act, but he cannot act in Krishna’s service, for he has no knowledge of Krishna. He is thus liable to all reactions.
E.g. The sannyasi must breathe. He also must eat. He steps on living entities as he walks. Without Krishna consciousness all these activities have no transcendental basis for him, and thus reactions accrue to him.

Text 4.19 – 4.24

COMMON THEME : “Akarma in Karma” (inaction in action)

SYMPTOMS / QUALITIES OF ONE “WORKING IN TRANSCENDENCE” –
For ease of memorization the points below are given a pneumonic with 4 D’s, 4 F’s and 4 S’s

LINK BETWEEN 4.20 & 4.21 : Text 4.20 describes sadhaka stage. Texts 4.21 – 4.22 describes siddha stage.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.22 & 4.23: Text 4.23 introduces yajna which will be expanded upon in Texts 4.25 – 4.33.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.23 & 4.24: Krishna summarizes His teachings on akarma by next describing the absolute quality of a sacrifice performed in spiritual consciousness.

IMPORTANT NOTE :

Acting in a devotional mood with freedom from the desires of sense gratification uncovers the spiritual nature. In this way, acts of sacrifice connect one with transcendence.

Learnings from Purport 4.19 – 4.24

(a) Definition of “one in full knowledge” (4.19)

Every endeavor is devoid of desire for sense gratification and thus,
The reactions of work have been burnt up by the fire of knowledge
o Analogy: “fire” of “knowledge” burns up reactions to work

(b) Which knowledge is referred to in Text 4.19 – “knowledge” of eternal servitorship

Analogies: Hand as a part of body / Living like animal (study purport)

(d) Desiring only basic necessities (4.21)

Analogy: As a machine part needs oiling (study purport)

(e) Texts 4.23 – 4.24 explain how working in consciousness as per Texts 4.19 – 4.23 reveals Brahman

(f) Text 4.23 introduces “yajna” which is the topic for next section

(g) Text 4.24 tells “perfect cure” for a materially entangled soul – Krishna consciousness is the
perfect cure

Activities of the material world, when performed in Krishna consciousness becomes spiritualized by complete absorption.
Analogy: Indigestion caused by milk products is cured by another milk product i.e yogurt or curd.

(h) Krishna consciousness – a process of converting illusory consciousness into Brahman (4.24)

The word “Brahma” (Brahman) means “spiritual” – The Lord is spiritual and the rays of His transcendental body are called Brahmajyoti.
Everything is situated in that Brahmajyoti but when the jyoti is covered by illusion or sense gratification, it is called material.
How to remove this material veil – by Krishna consciousness
Offering for the sake of Krishna consciousness, the consuming agent, the process of consumption, the contributor and the result are all combined together “brahman” or the Absolute Truth.

(i) Mind in Samadhi refers to the mind fully absorbed in Krishna consciousness

Anything done in such transcendental consciousness is called “yajna”
All the components involved in the sacrifice becomes one with the absolute

(a) Why learn this subject

If one is serious about liberation from material bondage, one has to understand the distinctions.
Applied to such analysis because it is such a difficult subject matter.

(b) What is the conclusion that Bhagavad-gita is directed towards

To know every living entity as an eternal servitor of Krishna.
Action in Krishna consciousness is the action free from three modes.

(c) How to learn this subject – Associate with authorities in Krishna consciousness; this is as good as learning from the Lord directly.

LINK BETWEEN 4.17 & 4.18 : Having introduced the term vikarma, Krishna returns to the distinction between karma and akarma.

Text 4.18

THEME : Seeing ‘action in inaction’ and ‘inaction in action’ – Freedom from reaction can result from proper action and sinful reaction can result from improper renunciation.

Learnings from Purport 4.18

(a) This vere explains one who is intelligent and one who is in the transcendental position

One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction is intelligent although engaged in all sorts of activities.

(b) Immunity to all sorts of reactionary elements of work – How to achieve?

By sense of “Eternal servitorship to Krishna”.

For whom – All acts done for Krishna.
Attitude
o No desire for sense gratification
o Acts as eternal servitor
Result – Enjoys transcendental happiness (not available to impersonalists)

(d) Vikarma

For whom – Work with attachment
Attitude – Against scriptural injunctions
Result – Bad reaction (4.17)

(e) Karma

For whom – work with attachment
Attitude – according to sastras
Result – good reaction
Facility – Krishna creates Varnasrama according to quality and work

(f) What is “renunciation of work”

It is action in inaction
Result – Get reaction
Short explanation – “Action in inaction” is the opposite. A sannyasi without transcendental knowledge of Krishna may appear not to be performing work, but as a soul, he can’t avoid either activity or the entangling results of that activity. Devoid of transcendental knowledge about Krishna, he must act, but he cannot act in Krishna’s service, for he has no knowledge of Krishna. He is thus liable to all reactions.
E.g. The sannyasi must breathe. He also must eat. He steps on living entities as he walks. Without Krishna consciousness all these activities have no transcendental basis for him, and thus reactions accrue to him.

Text 4.19 – 4.24

COMMON THEME : “Akarma in Karma” (inaction in action)

SYMPTOMS / QUALITIES OF ONE “WORKING IN TRANSCENDENCE” –
For ease of memorization the points below are given a pneumonic with 4 D’s, 4 F’s and 4 S’s

LINK BETWEEN 4.20 & 4.21 : Text 4.20 describes sadhaka stage. Texts 4.21 – 4.22 describes siddha stage.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.22 & 4.23: Text 4.23 introduces yajna which will be expanded upon in Texts 4.25 – 4.33.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.23 & 4.24: Krishna summarizes His teachings on akarma by next describing the absolute quality of a sacrifice performed in spiritual consciousness.

IMPORTANT NOTE :

Acting in a devotional mood with freedom from the desires of sense gratification uncovers the spiritual nature. In this way, acts of sacrifice connect one with transcendence.

Learnings from Purport 4.19 – 4.24

(a) Definition of “one in full knowledge” (4.19)

Every endeavor is devoid of desire for sense gratification and thus,
The reactions of work have been burnt up by the fire of knowledge
o Analogy: “fire” of “knowledge” burns up reactions to work

(b) Which knowledge is referred to in Text 4.19 – “knowledge” of eternal servitorship

Analogies: Hand as a part of body / Living like animal (study purport)

(d) Desiring only basic necessities (4.21)

Analogy: As a machine part needs oiling (study purport)

(e) Texts 4.23 – 4.24 explain how working in consciousness as per Texts 4.19 – 4.23 reveals Brahman

(f) Text 4.23 introduces “yajna” which is the topic for next section

(g) Text 4.24 tells “perfect cure” for a materially entangled soul – Krishna consciousness is the
perfect cure

Activities of the material world, when performed in Krishna consciousness becomes spiritualized by complete absorption.
Analogy: Indigestion caused by milk products is cured by another milk product i.e yogurt or curd.

(h) Krishna consciousness – a process of converting illusory consciousness into Brahman (4.24)

The word “Brahma” (Brahman) means “spiritual” – The Lord is spiritual and the rays of His transcendental body are called Brahmajyoti.
Everything is situated in that Brahmajyoti but when the jyoti is covered by illusion or sense gratification, it is called material.
How to remove this material veil – by Krishna consciousness
Offering for the sake of Krishna consciousness, the consuming agent, the process of consumption, the contributor and the result are all combined together “brahman” or the Absolute Truth.

(i) Mind in Samadhi refers to the mind fully absorbed in Krishna consciousness

Anything done in such transcendental consciousness is called “yajna”
All the components involved in the sacrifice becomes one with the absolute

(a) Whom to follow – Leadership of authorized persons in parampara.

(b) Why does the Lord instruct Arjuna directly?

Because even the most intelligent person gets bewildered on this path.

Because of direct instruction of Lord to Arjuna, anyone who follows in the footsteps of Arjuna is certainly not bewildered.

(d) Imperfect speculators can’t help

Lord Himself lays down religions.
Understand this science through Mahajanas – (study purport for all the names).

(e) Lord’s causeless mercy

Lord is explaining directly to Arjuna so that His devotees can understand.
Only action performed in Krishna consciousness can deliver a person.

LINK BETWEEN 4.16 & 4.17 : In the next verse Krishna adds the principle of vikarma, or forbidden action, to His presentation of karma and akarma.

Text 4.17

THEME : Intricacies of karma are difficult to understand

Distinguish very carefully between the three subjects of karma, vikarma and akarma
This verse explains “Why such actions should not be independent”.
Because they are very intricate.

Learnings from Purport 4.17

(a) Why learn this subject

If one is serious about liberation from material bondage, one has to understand the distinctions.
Applied to such analysis because it is such a difficult subject matter.

(b) What is the conclusion that Bhagavad-gita is directed towards

To know every living entity as an eternal servitor of Krishna.
Action in Krishna consciousness is the action free from three modes.

(c) How to learn this subject – Associate with authorities in Krishna consciousness; this is as good as learning from the Lord directly.

LINK BETWEEN 4.17 & 4.18 : Having introduced the term vikarma, Krishna returns to the distinction between karma and akarma.

Text 4.18

THEME : Seeing ‘action in inaction’ and ‘inaction in action’ – Freedom from reaction can result from proper action and sinful reaction can result from improper renunciation.

Learnings from Purport 4.18

(a) This vere explains one who is intelligent and one who is in the transcendental position

One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction is intelligent although engaged in all sorts of activities.

(b) Immunity to all sorts of reactionary elements of work – How to achieve?

By sense of “Eternal servitorship to Krishna”.

For whom – All acts done for Krishna.
Attitude
o No desire for sense gratification
o Acts as eternal servitor
Result – Enjoys transcendental happiness (not available to impersonalists)

(d) Vikarma

For whom – Work with attachment
Attitude – Against scriptural injunctions
Result – Bad reaction (4.17)

(e) Karma

For whom – work with attachment
Attitude – according to sastras
Result – good reaction
Facility – Krishna creates Varnasrama according to quality and work

(f) What is “renunciation of work”

It is action in inaction
Result – Get reaction
Short explanation – “Action in inaction” is the opposite. A sannyasi without transcendental knowledge of Krishna may appear not to be performing work, but as a soul, he can’t avoid either activity or the entangling results of that activity. Devoid of transcendental knowledge about Krishna, he must act, but he cannot act in Krishna’s service, for he has no knowledge of Krishna. He is thus liable to all reactions.
E.g. The sannyasi must breathe. He also must eat. He steps on living entities as he walks. Without Krishna consciousness all these activities have no transcendental basis for him, and thus reactions accrue to him.

Text 4.19 – 4.24

COMMON THEME : “Akarma in Karma” (inaction in action)

SYMPTOMS / QUALITIES OF ONE “WORKING IN TRANSCENDENCE” –
For ease of memorization the points below are given a pneumonic with 4 D’s, 4 F’s and 4 S’s

LINK BETWEEN 4.20 & 4.21 : Text 4.20 describes sadhaka stage. Texts 4.21 – 4.22 describes siddha stage.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.22 & 4.23: Text 4.23 introduces yajna which will be expanded upon in Texts 4.25 – 4.33.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.23 & 4.24: Krishna summarizes His teachings on akarma by next describing the absolute quality of a sacrifice performed in spiritual consciousness.

IMPORTANT NOTE :

Acting in a devotional mood with freedom from the desires of sense gratification uncovers the spiritual nature. In this way, acts of sacrifice connect one with transcendence.

Learnings from Purport 4.19 – 4.24

(a) Definition of “one in full knowledge” (4.19)

Every endeavor is devoid of desire for sense gratification and thus,
The reactions of work have been burnt up by the fire of knowledge
o Analogy: “fire” of “knowledge” burns up reactions to work

(b) Which knowledge is referred to in Text 4.19 – “knowledge” of eternal servitorship

Analogies: Hand as a part of body / Living like animal (study purport)

(d) Desiring only basic necessities (4.21)

Analogy: As a machine part needs oiling (study purport)

(e) Texts 4.23 – 4.24 explain how working in consciousness as per Texts 4.19 – 4.23 reveals Brahman

(f) Text 4.23 introduces “yajna” which is the topic for next section

(g) Text 4.24 tells “perfect cure” for a materially entangled soul – Krishna consciousness is the
perfect cure

Activities of the material world, when performed in Krishna consciousness becomes spiritualized by complete absorption.
Analogy: Indigestion caused by milk products is cured by another milk product i.e yogurt or curd.

(h) Krishna consciousness – a process of converting illusory consciousness into Brahman (4.24)

The word “Brahma” (Brahman) means “spiritual” – The Lord is spiritual and the rays of His transcendental body are called Brahmajyoti.
Everything is situated in that Brahmajyoti but when the jyoti is covered by illusion or sense gratification, it is called material.
How to remove this material veil – by Krishna consciousness
Offering for the sake of Krishna consciousness, the consuming agent, the process of consumption, the contributor and the result are all combined together “brahman” or the Absolute Truth.

(i) Mind in Samadhi refers to the mind fully absorbed in Krishna consciousness

Anything done in such transcendental consciousness is called “yajna”
All the components involved in the sacrifice becomes one with the absolute

(a) Whom to follow – Leadership of authorized persons in parampara.

(b) Why does the Lord instruct Arjuna directly?

Because even the most intelligent person gets bewildered on this path.

Because of direct instruction of Lord to Arjuna, anyone who follows in the footsteps of Arjuna is certainly not bewildered.

(d) Imperfect speculators can’t help

Lord Himself lays down religions.
Understand this science through Mahajanas – (study purport for all the names).

(e) Lord’s causeless mercy

Lord is explaining directly to Arjuna so that His devotees can understand.
Only action performed in Krishna consciousness can deliver a person.

LINK BETWEEN 4.16 & 4.17 : In the next verse Krishna adds the principle of vikarma, or forbidden action, to His presentation of karma and akarma.

Text 4.17

THEME : Intricacies of karma are difficult to understand

Distinguish very carefully between the three subjects of karma, vikarma and akarma
This verse explains “Why such actions should not be independent”.
Because they are very intricate.

Learnings from Purport 4.17

(a) Why learn this subject

If one is serious about liberation from material bondage, one has to understand the distinctions.
Applied to such analysis because it is such a difficult subject matter.

(b) What is the conclusion that Bhagavad-gita is directed towards

To know every living entity as an eternal servitor of Krishna.
Action in Krishna consciousness is the action free from three modes.

(c) How to learn this subject – Associate with authorities in Krishna consciousness; this is as good as learning from the Lord directly.

LINK BETWEEN 4.17 & 4.18 : Having introduced the term vikarma, Krishna returns to the distinction between karma and akarma.

Text 4.18

THEME : Seeing ‘action in inaction’ and ‘inaction in action’ – Freedom from reaction can result from proper action and sinful reaction can result from improper renunciation.

Learnings from Purport 4.18

(a) This vere explains one who is intelligent and one who is in the transcendental position

One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction is intelligent although engaged in all sorts of activities.

(b) Immunity to all sorts of reactionary elements of work – How to achieve?

By sense of “Eternal servitorship to Krishna”.

For whom – All acts done for Krishna.
Attitude
o No desire for sense gratification
o Acts as eternal servitor
Result – Enjoys transcendental happiness (not available to impersonalists)

(d) Vikarma

For whom – Work with attachment
Attitude – Against scriptural injunctions
Result – Bad reaction (4.17)

(e) Karma

For whom – work with attachment
Attitude – according to sastras
Result – good reaction
Facility – Krishna creates Varnasrama according to quality and work

(f) What is “renunciation of work”

It is action in inaction
Result – Get reaction
Short explanation – “Action in inaction” is the opposite. A sannyasi without transcendental knowledge of Krishna may appear not to be performing work, but as a soul, he can’t avoid either activity or the entangling results of that activity. Devoid of transcendental knowledge about Krishna, he must act, but he cannot act in Krishna’s service, for he has no knowledge of Krishna. He is thus liable to all reactions.
E.g. The sannyasi must breathe. He also must eat. He steps on living entities as he walks. Without Krishna consciousness all these activities have no transcendental basis for him, and thus reactions accrue to him.

Text 4.19 – 4.24

COMMON THEME : “Akarma in Karma” (inaction in action)

SYMPTOMS / QUALITIES OF ONE “WORKING IN TRANSCENDENCE” –
For ease of memorization the points below are given a pneumonic with 4 D’s, 4 F’s and 4 S’s

LINK BETWEEN 4.20 & 4.21 : Text 4.20 describes sadhaka stage. Texts 4.21 – 4.22 describes siddha stage.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.22 & 4.23: Text 4.23 introduces yajna which will be expanded upon in Texts 4.25 – 4.33.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.23 & 4.24: Krishna summarizes His teachings on akarma by next describing the absolute quality of a sacrifice performed in spiritual consciousness.

IMPORTANT NOTE :

Acting in a devotional mood with freedom from the desires of sense gratification uncovers the spiritual nature. In this way, acts of sacrifice connect one with transcendence.

Learnings from Purport 4.19 – 4.24

(a) Definition of “one in full knowledge” (4.19)

Every endeavor is devoid of desire for sense gratification and thus,
The reactions of work have been burnt up by the fire of knowledge
o Analogy: “fire” of “knowledge” burns up reactions to work

(b) Which knowledge is referred to in Text 4.19 – “knowledge” of eternal servitorship

Analogies: Hand as a part of body / Living like animal (study purport)

(d) Desiring only basic necessities (4.21)

Analogy: As a machine part needs oiling (study purport)

(e) Texts 4.23 – 4.24 explain how working in consciousness as per Texts 4.19 – 4.23 reveals Brahman

(f) Text 4.23 introduces “yajna” which is the topic for next section

(g) Text 4.24 tells “perfect cure” for a materially entangled soul – Krishna consciousness is the
perfect cure

Activities of the material world, when performed in Krishna consciousness becomes spiritualized by complete absorption.
Analogy: Indigestion caused by milk products is cured by another milk product i.e yogurt or curd.

(h) Krishna consciousness – a process of converting illusory consciousness into Brahman (4.24)

The word “Brahma” (Brahman) means “spiritual” – The Lord is spiritual and the rays of His transcendental body are called Brahmajyoti.
Everything is situated in that Brahmajyoti but when the jyoti is covered by illusion or sense gratification, it is called material.
How to remove this material veil – by Krishna consciousness
Offering for the sake of Krishna consciousness, the consuming agent, the process of consumption, the contributor and the result are all combined together “brahman” or the Absolute Truth.

(i) Mind in Samadhi refers to the mind fully absorbed in Krishna consciousness

Anything done in such transcendental consciousness is called “yajna”
All the components involved in the sacrifice becomes one with the absolute

UNDERSTANDING KARMA ON THE PLATFORM OF JNANA (4.16 – 4.24)

LINK WITH PREVIOUS SECTION : In the next nine verses (4.16 – 4.24), in pursuance of Krishna’s description of His own work, Krishna will explain how work (karma) can be seen as inactivity (akarma). Arjuna previously said he wished to leave the battlefield and avoid the results of his karma, like a jnani, through inactivity. Krishna will show him that no karma accrues to one who works in transcendental knowledge and that properly performed karma can thus be seen as non-different from the process of jnana.

NOTE : Acting in pure devotional service is akarma, free from reactions. This is because karmic reaction is a result of fruitive consciousness and not activity itself.

Text 4.16

THEME : Must follow liberated souls – Without following liberated souls one is sure to be bewildered in discovering karma, vikarma and akarma.

This verse mentions the need to avoid independent work – Action has to be executed in accordance with the example of previous bona-fide devotees.
Therefore Lord offers to explain karma, vikarma and akarma.

Learnings from Purport 4.16

(a) Whom to follow – Leadership of authorized persons in parampara.

(b) Why does the Lord instruct Arjuna directly?

Because even the most intelligent person gets bewildered on this path.

Because of direct instruction of Lord to Arjuna, anyone who follows in the footsteps of Arjuna is certainly not bewildered.

(d) Imperfect speculators can’t help

Lord Himself lays down religions.
Understand this science through Mahajanas – (study purport for all the names).

(e) Lord’s causeless mercy

Lord is explaining directly to Arjuna so that His devotees can understand.
Only action performed in Krishna consciousness can deliver a person.

LINK BETWEEN 4.16 & 4.17 : In the next verse Krishna adds the principle of vikarma, or forbidden action, to His presentation of karma and akarma.

Text 4.17

THEME : Intricacies of karma are difficult to understand

Distinguish very carefully between the three subjects of karma, vikarma and akarma
This verse explains “Why such actions should not be independent”.
Because they are very intricate.

Learnings from Purport 4.17

(a) Why learn this subject

If one is serious about liberation from material bondage, one has to understand the distinctions.
Applied to such analysis because it is such a difficult subject matter.

(b) What is the conclusion that Bhagavad-gita is directed towards

To know every living entity as an eternal servitor of Krishna.
Action in Krishna consciousness is the action free from three modes.

(c) How to learn this subject – Associate with authorities in Krishna consciousness; this is as good as learning from the Lord directly.

LINK BETWEEN 4.17 & 4.18 : Having introduced the term vikarma, Krishna returns to the distinction between karma and akarma.

Text 4.18

THEME : Seeing ‘action in inaction’ and ‘inaction in action’ – Freedom from reaction can result from proper action and sinful reaction can result from improper renunciation.

Learnings from Purport 4.18

(a) This vere explains one who is intelligent and one who is in the transcendental position

One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction is intelligent although engaged in all sorts of activities.

(b) Immunity to all sorts of reactionary elements of work – How to achieve?

By sense of “Eternal servitorship to Krishna”.

For whom – All acts done for Krishna.
Attitude
o No desire for sense gratification
o Acts as eternal servitor
Result – Enjoys transcendental happiness (not available to impersonalists)

(d) Vikarma

For whom – Work with attachment
Attitude – Against scriptural injunctions
Result – Bad reaction (4.17)

(e) Karma

For whom – work with attachment
Attitude – according to sastras
Result – good reaction
Facility – Krishna creates Varnasrama according to quality and work

(f) What is “renunciation of work”

It is action in inaction
Result – Get reaction
Short explanation – “Action in inaction” is the opposite. A sannyasi without transcendental knowledge of Krishna may appear not to be performing work, but as a soul, he can’t avoid either activity or the entangling results of that activity. Devoid of transcendental knowledge about Krishna, he must act, but he cannot act in Krishna’s service, for he has no knowledge of Krishna. He is thus liable to all reactions.
E.g. The sannyasi must breathe. He also must eat. He steps on living entities as he walks. Without Krishna consciousness all these activities have no transcendental basis for him, and thus reactions accrue to him.

Text 4.19 – 4.24

COMMON THEME : “Akarma in Karma” (inaction in action)

SYMPTOMS / QUALITIES OF ONE “WORKING IN TRANSCENDENCE” –
For ease of memorization the points below are given a pneumonic with 4 D’s, 4 F’s and 4 S’s

LINK BETWEEN 4.20 & 4.21 : Text 4.20 describes sadhaka stage. Texts 4.21 – 4.22 describes siddha stage.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.22 & 4.23: Text 4.23 introduces yajna which will be expanded upon in Texts 4.25 – 4.33.

LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 4.23 & 4.24: Krishna summarizes His teachings on akarma by next describing the absolute quality of a sacrifice performed in spiritual consciousness.

IMPORTANT NOTE :

Acting in a devotional mood with freedom from the desires of sense gratification uncovers the spiritual nature. In this way, acts of sacrifice connect one with transcendence.

Learnings from Purport 4.19 – 4.24

(a) Definition of “one in full knowledge” (4.19)

Every endeavor is devoid of desire for sense gratification and thus,
The reactions of work have been burnt up by the fire of knowledge
o Analogy: “fire” of “knowledge” burns up reactions to work

(b) Which knowledge is referred to in Text 4.19 – “knowledge” of eternal servitorship

Analogies: Hand as a part of body / Living like animal (study purport)

(d) Desiring only basic necessities (4.21)

Analogy: As a machine part needs oiling (study purport)

(e) Texts 4.23 – 4.24 explain how working in consciousness as per Texts 4.19 – 4.23 reveals Brahman

(f) Text 4.23 introduces “yajna” which is the topic for next section

(g) Text 4.24 tells “perfect cure” for a materially entangled soul – Krishna consciousness is the
perfect cure

Activities of the material world, when performed in Krishna consciousness becomes spiritualized by complete absorption.
Analogy: Indigestion caused by milk products is cured by another milk product i.e yogurt or curd.

(h) Krishna consciousness – a process of converting illusory consciousness into Brahman (4.24)

The word “Brahma” (Brahman) means “spiritual” – The Lord is spiritual and the rays of His transcendental body are called Brahmajyoti.
Everything is situated in that Brahmajyoti but when the jyoti is covered by illusion or sense gratification, it is called material.
How to remove this material veil – by Krishna consciousness
Offering for the sake of Krishna consciousness, the consuming agent, the process of consumption, the contributor and the result are all combined together “brahman” or the Absolute Truth.

(i) Mind in Samadhi refers to the mind fully absorbed in Krishna consciousness

Anything done in such transcendental consciousness is called “yajna”
All the components involved in the sacrifice becomes one with the absolute