Service And Self Knowledge

By Staff

Thursday, July 30, 2009, 12:01

Self-knowledge is indeed the supreme goal of life. In Self-knowledge alone there is complete cessation of sorrow and the attainment of supreme bliss. Therefore, it is important to know the relation of 'service' or selfless work to self-knowledge.

Right at the beginning of his commentary, while introducing Gita, Sri Sankaracharya gives us a broad picture of the teachings of the Vedas. Two-fold is the dharma taught by the Vedas consisting of 'Pravrtti' (engaging oneself in work, dynamic action) and 'Nivritti' (withdrawal from work, into a contemplative life). Prosperity in the world (abhyudaya) is the result of 'Pravrtti', while knowledge and dispassion characterise 'Nivritti'.

A life of serene contemplation on the Vedanta requires a mind which is highly pure and mature. An extrovert mind attached to woman, gold and fame cannot appreciate and realise the Brahma-vidya. To such a mind, 'Nivrtti' and hence self-knowledge are impossible. Therefore, there arises the practical question of how one may evolve and become fit for the pursuit of self-knowledge. The answer to this very question is 'Karma-yoga' called otherwise as self-less service, yajna-karma, seva, niskama karma etc.

To the overwhelming majority of us, action is unavoidable. Our nature forces us to work even if we go to an asrama or the Himalaya. "Prakritih Tvam niyoksyati = your nature will make you act (and prevent you from withdrawing to any quiet life)", said Krishna to Arjuna (XVIII. 59). Act we must, but a choice is with us - to do it selfishly or selflessly. Work done selflessly, for the good of others around us, with the idea, "I am but a servant of God; it is His command that I carry out," leads to a transformation within us.

Once the inner transformation happens, we shall discover in ourselves a greater peace, a clearer conscience, lesser pressure of likes and dislikes and more freedom from the clutches of desire and anger. This inner change is what makes us competent to truly enjoy the benefits of Vedanta-study."Svakarmana tam abhyarcya siddhim vindati manavah = work shipping Him (God) through one's own work, a man attain perfection", says Krsna (XVIII. 46); here He means by 'perfection' (siddhi) the fitness for the discipline of knowledge.

Making much buzzing noise and moving hither and thither, bees look out for flowers; as they find a flower and taste honey, they become quiet. These can symbolise ''Pravrtti'' and 'Nivrtti'. Note that if a bee simply stays put somewhere without finding a flower, it would be far from peace. So is the case with man he must live a life of noble motives and meritorious actions (the movement in search of flower); then he gains an inner unfoldment (finding the flower) where he is in a position to taste the (nectar of) Self-knowledge!

To be continued

About the author

Swami Chidananda

Swami Chidananda has been a spiritual teacher, speaker, and writer for two decades. He is presently the Joint Secretary of Rajghat Education Centre, Varanasi, which is a chapter of Krishnamurti Foundation India (KFI). His deeper calling took him to the study of the Vedanta under the world-renowned teacher Swami Chinmayananda. He served the Chinmaya Mission for sixteen years. He now lives on the banks of Ganga in Varanasi, working for the cause of right education as well as rural service.