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The Infinite Gains Of Renunciation Of Fruit > Page1
1. Brothers, in the Second Chapter, we glanced over the whole of the philosophy of life. Now, in the Third Chapter, we shall explain this philosophy more clearly. We began by considering principles; now we shall go into detail. In the previous Chapter we discussed karma-yoga (the way of action). The great thing in karma-yoga is giving up the fruit of one's actions.
Yes, in karma-yoga one surrenders the fruit; but the question arises : does the fruit come to one, nevertheless, or does it not? Thus the Third Chapter says that the karma-yogi, by giving up the fruit of his action, does not lose it, but paradoxically enough gains it in infinite measure. Here one is reminded of the story of Lakshmi (the goddess of prosperity). It was her svayamvara (the day when she was to choose her husband). All the gods and titans had comes with hopes raised high; Lakshmi had not proclaimed her vow before.
She came into the assembly and said "I shall garland only the man who has no desire for me." But then, they were all covetous of her. So Lakshmi began to search for the desire less one whom she could choose. Now there appeared before her the form of Lord Vishnu lying peacefully on the serpent, Shesha. She put the wedding garland round His neck and to this day she sits there, stroking His feet. Ramaa (the goddess of beauty) becomes the slave of him who does not hanker after her. That is the wonder of it.
About Author : Acharya Vinoba Bhave
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