Summary:

Chapter 2, Verses 47-48: These verses teach the essence of Karma Yoga through the principle of action without being burdened by results. A Karma-Yogi maintains enthusiasm and cheerfulness (like Krishna) by understanding that while actions are within our control, outcomes follow Ishvara's infallible laws. This understanding brings samatvam (evenness of mind) – the true yoga. When facing challenges (like health issues), rather than responding with denial or complaints (“Why me?”), one should work with natural laws (genetic, physiological, psychological) and focus on solutions. Equanimity comes from maintaining a solution-oriented approach and having a greater vision of life that transcends daily incidents.

Revision:

VERSE 47:

How to be highly engaged in action, while not being loaded, as often action brings uncertainty of future and anxiety?

EG: Krishna is constantly dealing with difficult situations in BG, yet remains enthusiastic and cheerful. Because he is a master Karma-Yogi.

What makes you a Karma-Yogi? Knowing your actions are within your control, while outcome aren’t. If concerned about results, your mind becomes loaded with fear and anxiety which detracts from quality of actions.

VERSE 48:

Recognizing results come from infallible laws of Ishvara. Working with the laws brings “evenness of mind” (samatvam yoga ucyate) in reference to ups and downs of life.

EG: Person discovers they’re diabetic. Two common responses are denial or anger. Such as, “Why me! This is unfair as I’m doing good service.” 

Doctor will ask you whether anyone in your family is diabetic. He is assessing situation through genetic laws. Then asks about food habits. Assessing through physiological laws. Then asks about emotional/lifestyle wellbeing. Assessing psychological laws. Doctor is being factual. Not looking at it through trauma like the complaining patient. He even prescribes medicine (the solution). Meaning doctor is working with the laws, because your body is not outside the laws.

Conversely, one’s complaining “Why me?” is not fixing anything.

So the solution to have equanimity or composure is, (1) Focused on the solutions. What now?, (2) Having something bigger to fall back on. Some greater vision of life that is slightly above the incidental things of life. 

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Course was based on Swami Dayananda (Arsha Vidya) home study course.

Recorded 2 Feb, 2025