Bhagavad Gita 3.20

karmaṇaiva hi saṁsiddhim

āsthitā janakādayaḥ

loka-saṅgraham evāpi

sampaśyan kartum arhasi

 

“Through selfless work, the wise have grown,

Like Janaka, who virtue has shown.

For the good of all, you too must strive,

And keep the world’s sustaining cycle alive.”

 

My dear Lord, the path to you requires the rejection of worldly obsessions, not the rejection of worldly obligations. Of course, if my desires or priorities are misdirected, then my worldly obligations can themselves become obsessions, or I can treat them as mere tools for attaining the things that are my obsessions. But both of these are unhealthy ways of engaging with obligations—they are not intrinsic flaws within those obligations. You have so expertly designed the world that if I cultivate selflessness, then every obligation can become a valuable resource for expanding my consciousness—ultimately toward you, the supreme reality and the supreme shelter of the supremely expanded consciousness.

The saintly kings of the past were deeply engaged in serving their citizens, yet they were just as engaged—if not more—in serving you. They had an integrated vision of reality, where their service in this world was a natural part of their service to you, the source of the world. Had  they neglected their duties while aiming for higher consciousness, then worldly order would have fallen apart.  T hat order is foundational for everyone—not just for surviving materially, but also for striving spiritually. You have also given me, O Lord, a role and responsibility in this world. Bless me so that I can discharge it with a holistic vision, thus coming closer to you, the supreme whole.

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03.20 Kings such as Janaka attained perfection solely by performance of prescribed duties. Therefore, just for the sake of educating the people in general, you should perform your work.

Let my obligations not become my obsessions