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The best example of Karma Yoga is the grandsire Bhishma. He dedicated all his deeds to Lord Krishna. He was stubborn in his resolve to protect the kingdom of Hastinapura and did not hesitate to wage war for it. Princess Amba narrated to sage Parasurama that Bhishma was the cause of her blighted life. Parasurama espoused her cause and challenged Bhishma. Undaunted by Parasurama, his Guru, who taught him everything, Bhishma fought with the sage, though Bhishma was no less in showing his reverence to the Guru as he was the best karma yogi. When Duryodhana slandered and cast aspersions on Bhishma, he said, “I may be loving and pouring affection towards Pandavas, but I will not be an ingrate or devious to you in the battle.”
Navalpakkam Sri Vasudevachariar said in a discourse that a mother is the best Karmayogi who grooms her child, braving against all odds and impediments. If the child grows well and becomes a good personality, that is the fruit of the mother’s efforts, which results from God’s blessings.
A mother rejoices at the birth of her son, but even more so when he is praised as a nobleman (Eendra pozhudin – kural 69). Lord Krishna says, “Do your duty and leave the rest to Me.”
Controlling one’s mind is essential. Lord Krishna suggested two ways: practice godly deeds and detach from desires and worldly pleasures. It should not be the other way around. Vedas say desires are like the ocean. Detachment is the prelude to Karma Yoga. Anger is an extension of desires. If we control desires, anger will not develop.
Key Takeaways (Summary):
1. Bhishma as a Karma Yogi:
- Bhishma dedicated all his actions to Lord Krishna.
- Despite personal affection for the Pandavas, he upheld his duty to Hastinapura and fought for it.
- Even when challenged by his Guru Parasurama, Bhishma upheld his dharma without disrespecting his teacher.
2. Mother as a Karmayogi:
- Mothers embody Karma Yoga by raising their children with love and effort, without attachment to the outcome.
- Their reward comes when the child grows into a noble person, seen as God’s blessing.
3. Lord Krishna’s Teachings:
- Focus on performing duty and leave results to God.
- Control of desires is essential for spiritual and emotional balance.
- Desires, if unchecked, lead to anger and suffering.
- Detachment from desires is the foundation of Karma Yoga.
reference - The Hindu
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