World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

Page 177

Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita "Do the work that comes to you-but don't look for the results. Don't be motivated by the fruits of your actions" (BG 2.47). For many of us, this principle is counterintuitive, as we tend to believe that the only reason to undertake an action is to achieve a given result. However, attachment to results binds us, creating karmic links that actually prevent an openhearted and completely free engagement in the action.
While sharing the Values Statement at the Yoga Journal conference, Ben contemplated on his reasons for being there, and on the conference atmosphere that seemed to push him into a "seller's" mentality. He reflected later in his journal:
At the conference marketplace (what Laura called "Yoga Hollywood,") I saw two mind-states acted out. 1) The buyer: I need, I want, I am not enough, I do not have enough, I must have more. 2) The seller: I must convince, I must show "them" the light, I must make "them" feel, believe, and act a certain way. I, of course, watched these attitudes move within myself. I longed for greater peace and insight (buyer). And I pressed myself to make others see the need for healing the earth (seller). Even though I was selling a far nobler and infinitely more valuable product. Even though I made no money or had any personal gain. I was still a salesman because I was in the seller mentality. When I noticed this I practiced the suggestion from the Yoga Sutra to cultivate the opposite. Buying turned into gratitude, and selling turned into service. Instead of "I need" and "I want," I practiced thinking, "Thank you for what I have." Instead of "You should do this; I have the answer," I practiced thinking, "I am here to give from my abundance. My concern for the earth is a gift. This Values Statement is a gift. I am offering it to those who may want it." I found myself envisioning these attitudes as a web of selfless service in which to be delightfully caught. Instead of seeing ourselves as missionaries, we became more like Santa Claus.
When action is predicated on results, it can lead to self-injury and burnout. Tanuja spoke of how she had based her life on effectiveness, choosing work in environmental organizations where she believed she would have the greatest impact. Gradually she is realizing that this way of being has stressful effects on her body and prevented her from following more soulenhancing paths.
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