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The first six chapters of the Bhagavat Gita discuss Karma Mimansa - Philosophy of Karma or Karma-Yoga -the art of correct actions.

The Gita is extract of all Upanishads and it teaches: -

• Real universal religion, (Sanatan Dharma).
• Provides a scientific proof of one supreme God.
• It is a masterpiece of human psychology- explaining body, mind, intellect, Ego and soul.
• Science of self-realization and various Yoga for self-upliftment.
• Shows a path of direct relation between Man and God.
• A path of knowing, seeing and merging with Omnipresent God, with use of reason and logic.

Lord Krishna advises: - "Conquer first thy inner enemies (Satans) e.g. selfish-desires (Vasanas), angers, greed of money and power, family attachments (Raga), hates, jealousy, sense of revenge and many false egos like ego of wealth, sex, beauty, knowledge, political power, strength etc., Then only you will be able to judge well and do correct actions".

A theme meaning translation of the 3rd chapter of the Gita is presented below in an essay format. (A good discourse needs 12 to 16 hours, divided into 2 hours daily class during a week.)

KARMA YOGA.

The chapter starts with a question of Arjuna.

Arjuna asks. "Oh Lord, you told me (in the 2nd chapter’s ending verses) that intellect is higher than actions (Karma). My intellect says not to engage in this bloody and devastating war against my own relatives and teachers (Gurus). I am in illusion (Moha) and not very clear about the right path of actions. So please tell me one thing and show me the “correct path of actions” so that I become happy, successful and excel in life.” V. (1-2).

The cause of Arjuna's dilemma was family attachments and respect towards Gurus. But in running away from the battlefield he was neglecting his duty (Dharma).

Lord Krishna shows him two paths - and not one. The path of Karma Yoga is path of duty bound actions for material happiness. The second path is of Sankhya Yoga, which brings Spiritual happiness by a path of Self-knowledge. V. (3).

Lord Says: -

Na Karmanyam anarambhat Naishkarmayam purushoshnute,

Na ch sanyasanadeva siddhim samadhigachhati.

“If you don't do any action (Karma) it is not called a “Desireless state of mind” (Nish-karmya bhava). If you abandon in the middle any action once started, then success can never come to you”. (V-4).

The following example will explain above point clearly.

Once a hunter ran after a beautiful deer for three days and nights in a deep jungle. Finally he killed the deer with an arrow. He thought "Now I will take some rest and sleep for a while and then carry the dead deer to my place". A thief hidden in the bushes was watching activities of the hunter. When the hunter was fast asleep, the thief came out and carried away the ready kill. Rest and sleep (idleness and sleep) resulted in loss of the fruits of actions for the hunter. The hunter had abandoned his actions in the middle.

The Pandavas had planned this war and made arrangements after suffering injustice from their cousins, - the Kauravas for many years. Arjuna wanted to run away from battlefield at the last moment when the bugles were blown, and armies facing one another.

Success or failure of actions (Karma) does come in life. But one must remain alert (Jagruta) and complete the started job until the goal is reached. Slogans and proverbs can give some guidelines. But they can misguide also. Proverbs are not absolute truths. One proverb will say, "Delay is dangerous". Second proverb will say. "Hurry makes curry". Which one you will believe? Lord Krishna shows the path of correct actions -Karma Yoga.

“No born can remain inactive and idle, even for a second. Nature demands that all living beings have to do some activities. Karmas are hidden in all completed deeds”. (V-5).

Lord defines a hypocrite and real Karma Yogi.

“He, who withholds his 5 organs of actions but dreams in mind of many objects of sensual pleasures and joys - is a hypocrite”. (V-6)

“But one who has controlled his all (ten) organs by mind, and then does actions with 5 Karma organs in an unattached manner is doing real Karma Yoga (correct actions). He always excels in life”.

“Some jobs are destined for you. You must do them well. To discharge your duties and remain active is better than inaction (idleness). By remaining idle and inactive, you will not be keeping good health of body, and will not be able to complete the journey of 100 years of life.

“All actions must be done with sense of duty and sacrifices (Yagna-Bhavna), otherwise Karma always produces bondages in human society. Oh, Son of Kunta (a good mother), do your actions in sense of sacrifices, do them in a well-balanced unattached manner. (Vs- 7, 8, 9)