एवं ज्ञात्वा कृतं कर्म पूर्वैरपि मुमुक्षुभि: | कुरु कर्मैव तस्मात्त्वं पूर्वै: पूर्वतरं कृतम् || 15 || किं कर्म किमकर्मेति कवयोऽप्यत्र मोहिता: | तत्ते कर्म प्रवक्ष्यामि यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात् || 16 || कर्मणो ह्यपि बोद्धव्यं बोद्धव्यं च विकर्मण: | अकर्मणश्च बोद्धव्यं गहना कर्मणो गति: || 17 || |
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Knowing this truth, even seekers of salvation in ancient times performed actions. Therefore, you too should perform duty following in their footsteps”.
“What is action and what is inaction? Even the wise are confused but now I shall explain to you the secret of action, by knowing which, you may free yourself from material bondage.”
“The nature of karma is very difficult to know. In order to fully understand the nature of proper action, one has also to understand the nature of contrary action and the nature of inaction.”
Commentary The nature of action is indeed quite difficult to understand. Activity can be classified into actions that are performed for gaining sense experiences (Karma), actions that go against the well-being (Vikarma) and actions that lead to soul-realization (Akarma). The human consciousness is naturally identified with the body and possessions. The next level of evolution that is inbuilt within is a consciousness that identifies with the soul. This soul-consciousness is a possibility that can happen if man wishes to strive for it.
Performing Karma means acting in a disciplined way that leads to temporary material success – health, wealth, love and happiness. Performing Vikarma means working in a rash and reckless way that leads to suffering – disease, depression, shame and total destruction. Performing Akarma means working for God that leads to permanent happiness in self-realization beyond body identification.