[A freelance translation of these 108 stanzas from the Dnyaneshwari. The original composition is based on a specific meter which follows a fixed pattern of four semi-sentences. A similar pattern is followed in the translated version as well.]
The significance of selfless action
(11-12)
You have an authority over all your acts
But you do not have an absolute authority on the results
Neither keep longing for the fruits
Nor resign yourself to inaction
(13)
Maintaining an even approach towards success and failure
Is the crux of the Yoga
Build up this ability
And perform all your duties meticulously without craving for desired results
(14 - 16)
If the task undertaken
Gets accomplished auspiciously
Or due to unavoidable obstacles
Gets completely abandoned
Still O Arjuna, do not corrupt your mind
With either jubilation or frustration
Be assured that every act dedicated to Lord Brahma
Is as good as accomplished by itself
The relationship between action and wheel of life - inaction is an idiotic choice
(17-21)
Performing your acts as they are pre-destined
Is more valuable than inaction
Even mere survival is not possible
Without action
So perform your duties aptly as per the situation
Leave the vested interests aside
Performing one’s duties selflessly
Is a symbol of Yoga
Get rid of the bondage of Karma by discharging your duties
You can easily accomplish this
See for yourself that this path of action
Will lead you to the liberated state
Whenever the link between selfless service
And the wheel of life is broken
Every individual in this world gets afflicted
By the bondage of Karma
Treat selfless service as a way of life
A natural way to maintain zest and zeal and to stay in tune with the wheel of life
This is a path which leads entire humanity to the joy of liberation
And by following this path no one ever suffers from material scarcity and mental anguish
(22)
The responsibilities and roles duly assigned to each one of us per the guiding principles in vogue
Are as good as a divine manifesto
That is why when they are practised thoroughly
One gets a first hand experience of the divine
(23)
O Arjuna, to bear the responsibilities and to perform the duties
Is the only way to sustain the life
For me who is all pervading
This is a nice way to worship me
(24)
Once one starts worshiping the all pervading
By offering the flowers of the selfless actions at his feet
Such a worship will undoubtedly give him
A state of utmost serenity
Art of life - acting without a sense of doership
(25)
Whatever acts you perform with your body
Whatever luxuries you indulge in to pamper your mind
Whatever donations you offer
Happily and with contentment to the deserving
Whatever rituals you conduct
Whatever austerities you practice
O Arjuna, dedicate them all to me
And be at ease, calm and composed
(26)
I am a go-getter performing this specific act
With an approach of commanding a specific result
Do not carry within
Such an egoistic outlook
(27)
O Arjuna, give up all the desires
Do not get indulged in the sensual pleasures
O fortunate, let the mind rejoice with appropriate pleasures
As they become available naturally from time to time
(28)
With a determination keep the mind steady
Abide as the Self
Then according to their inclination
Let the senses get engaged in actions
(29)
Pin your ears back O Arjuna
After assuming the form of a human body in this world
Thick headed are those individuals
Who carry a grudge about carrying out their duties
(30)
Consider the examples like King Janaka
Who realised the Self by the virtue of deeds
Keeping the welfare of the mankind in mind
You too get involved in the activities
[To be continued ...]
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