Words of Wisdom

Author: Swati Tamhankar Mohandas

karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana

mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi

Translation

You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.

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This is an extremely popular verse from Bhagwad Gita : Chapter 2, Verse 47  

The verse gives four instructions regarding the science of work: 

1) Do your duty, but do not concern yourself with the results. 

2) The fruits of your actions are not for your enjoyment. 

3) Even while working, give up the pride of doer-ship. 

4) Do not be attached to inaction.

To help others is a humanitarian attribute. If your intention is to really help others, then your entire concentration should be on the word ‘others’. Do not think about oneself. 

The ideal of helping others is not a barter transaction. If we entertain the selfish idea of receiving something in return of our deed then the whole idea of ‘helping others’ loses its meaning and charm. 

If by any chance the helpful deed extended by you to others is not responded, the super conscience becomes active to make ‘good’ happen. 

As you do a good deed, you feel honourable and walk taller. Doing a good deed warms your own heart and makes you feel good. You see the world in a more positive light. 

The very act of doing good is reward enough; as mentioned earlier it is not a commercial transaction that looks to profit and loss.

Whether you call it random acts of kindness, paying it forward or good deeds, they are very powerful. That is why almost every religion and culture values and rewards the performance of good deeds. 

To sum it up, my point of view is to do ‘good’ without expecting anything in return and you will reap the benefit in some way or the other.