How do you work hard without being tied up by praise, results and the sense of 'mine'? The Gita's verses say freedom comes not by stopping work but by loosening your grip. With one small practice for today.
What is action, what is wrong action and what is inaction? Gita 4.16 to 4.24 explained in order: how a person can act all day and not be bound, through five marks and a vision of the act as an offering.
In Gita 12.13-20 the Lord lists over thirty marks and says of each group, 'such a one is dear to Me'. The marks fall into four relationships and hang from one centre. Each verse explained, with a table, common misreadings, an example and a seven-day practice.
How action stops binding and what karma yoga finally gives. Gita 18.49 to 18.56 in order: letting go of the grip, training the mind, serenity, devotion and refuge in the Lord, with an example and a practice.
Gita 12.13-20 lists over thirty marks and keeps saying 'such a one is dear to Me'. Is it a test? How can anyone be dear to a Lord who is equal to all? A close reading, two streams of commentators, five objections and five questions answered.
A close reading of Gita 18.49 to 18.56: how action stops binding, what the mind must gather and give up, the road from the state of Brahman to devotion, the hard questions, and the commentators' two streams.
How does one reach the highest freedom from the bond of action while still acting, what must the mind gather and give up, and how does peace lead on to devotion? The subject of Gita 18.49 to 18.56.
At the end of the twelfth chapter the Lord draws the picture of one dear to Him: free of hatred, friendly and compassionate, even in pleasure and pain, skilful and steady. Three readings of verses 12.13-20 and the question of what 'dear' means.
At the end of chapter 12 the Lord draws the person who is dear to Him: free of hatred, friendly and compassionate, level in pain and pleasure, skilful and steady. Three readings of Gita 12.13-20, and what 'dear' means.