For countless generations, rishis and saints have given us many ways to free ourselves from bondage. Krishna left no stone unturned to help Arjuna free himself from the bondage of the work on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

eṣā te ’bhihitā sāṅkhye
buddhir yoge tv imāṁ śṛṇu
buddhyā yukto yayā pārtha
karma-bandhaṁ prahāsyasi

Arjuna, this attitude of mind has been presented to you from the point of view of Jhanayoga; now hear the same as presented from the standpoint of Karmayoga (the Yoga of selfless action). Equipped with this attitude of mind, you will be able to throw off completely the shackles of Karma.

(BG 2.39)

So then, performing action is the means to free ourselves from bondage?

It looks simple that performing action is all there is to it. But, in truth, many don’t realize that even while performing actions, they are getting bound by it.

Whatever we do as in the action -its effort is being recorded. So why do some actions set us free, while others bind us?

In Chapter 2, verses 40-43, Krishna explains that the knowledge of karma requires resilience and determination. Those choosing this path gain, they lose nothing. Nothing goes to waste. However, people who lack complete knowledge know only how to satisfy their own senses. That entangles them more in the bondage of karma.

In Closing

What does this mean for us? The actions we perform and the efforts we make matter. But effort with even-mindedness are the ones that can help us break free from the bondage of karma.

To Take With You

When was the last time you performed an action with even-mindedness?

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Until the next letter, next akshara. Shri Krishnaarpanamastu.