The Bhagavad Gita 2:46-47
December 22, 2009
Gita 2:46
Just as a well is of little use when water is flooding on every side, this is the value of the Vedas to a wise Brahman. (Brahman can mean God or in this case, one who knows God.)
Gita 2:47
You have a right to your work (actions) but not to its fruit. Never should the fruits of your action be your motive. Also, never should you be attached to inaction (laziness).
This verse sounds very selfless and maybe a little overwhelming. The thing is this book has to do with finding the meaning of life and therefore happiness. And as most of us know, acquiring “things” is not the way to happiness, people who really think like that always come up with more things they want.
This verse is saying to let go of doing things for the reward. We should do our work in this world because it is our dharma (duty). And doing your work well is for the best for all (society). It’s not that you can never keep the things you receive from your work, but that should not be our sole purpose.
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