We do things all the time, yet we don’t
often think about the various factors that go into things working out well. The
Bhagavad-gita (18.14) lists five components: the field of action, the doer, the
instruments of action, endeavor and destiny.
Gita commentators have explained these
factors variously. To make the abstruse concepts accessible, let’s consider how
these factors apply to a contemporary example of action, say, a cricketer
batting.
The field of action can refer to both the
cricket pitch and the batsman’s body. If the pitch is waterlogged or the body
is injured, the batsman can’t perform. The doer refers here to the player’s
soul that animates his body and initiates the action of batting. The
instruments of action refer to the specific senses required for that particular
action. So, for example, if the batsman’s hand is sprained, he can’t bat, even
if the rest of his body is ok. The endeavor refers to the difference made by
determined, diligent practice. Practice can enable average batsmen to perform
decently, and talented batsman to perform superlatively. The fifth and final
factor is destiny – the divine will that, based on our past karma, determines
results.
Among these factors, we are the initiators
of action. So, our role is important, but it is not all-important, for we alone
don’t determine the result.
Despite listing these five factors, the
Gita doesn’t go into their technicalities. Instead, it uses the point that we
are not the sole doers to underscore its central message: Work for pleasing
Krishna instead of for enjoying the results. Such a devotional mood protects us
from both the hubris that often accompanies success and the inferiority complex
that often accompanies failure. Further, we can make our best contribution and,
more importantly, progress towards satisfaction, purification and ultimately
liberation.
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