The righteous way of action, applicable for all, at all times be seen as the ‘General code-of-conduct’! – Apart from this,specially given for the chosen ‘life-style’ is the ‘Special code-of-conduct’!These, to the performer of righteous tasks, are the guiding principles. (21)  

‘Not telling lies’, ‘not causing grief to others’, ‘not killing others’ and such righteous acts form the ‘General code-of-conduct’. In practice, these include those that we consider inappropriate when others do to us! If so) why do such things to others? (We should not!) (22)  

‘Not killing others’ is a ‘General code-of-conduct’ mandated to all, yet without killing, how could there be a righteous war? – It is not so! There (in the field of war), to kill is a virtuous duty. Such is the importance of ‘Special code-of-conduct’! By knowing the nuances of ‘Dharma’, may you travel and perform the duty. (23)  

(‘General Dharma’ or ‘Special ‘Dharma’ which one to apply) – Such conflicts spin the head with ‘Dharma-Sankatam’, the inability to know the right path. In those times, adhere to the path of the virtuous, and progress! The Knowers of Truth of Vedas follow the righteous path, treading along which
We learn and accrue happiness! (24)  

(The burden of ) The laden-weight of fruits of Karma is resolved by ‘Dharma’ As it turns any ‘Karma’ into ‘Karma-Yoga’! – May the term ‘Karma’ Be seen as the ‘Assigned’, ‘Prohibited’, ‘Remedial’ and ‘Taken-up’ Tasks for action (as it helps to comprehend)! (25)  

What ought to be done is known as ‘Assigned Task’; Additionally What not to be done is ‘Prohibited Task’ – If there is error in following (these two) Then there is ‘Remedial Task’, that ought to be done as prescribed By learning, and treading along these righteuous path, Those thus abide, wear the garland of Dharma! (26)  

To guide in our actions as per the ‘life-stages’, and also as per one’s tendencies, profession and the chosen Life-style, The scriptures mandate duties! – Those are The ‘Assigned-Tasks’ or ‘Vidita-Karma’, adhering to Which is The duty of all in the world. (27)  

The life-stages ‘Student’, ‘Family-Dweller’, ‘Retired Seeker’ And the ‘Renounced Seeker’ are all have ‘Assigned-tasks’ – declared for Transcending the impediments to progress and following which, One attains happiness. (28)  

Like stipulaing ‘Dharma’ based on ‘Life-stages’ which is for the progress of the Self – with the context of others, Our natural tendencies, profession and life-style are the basis For the prescribed ‘Dharma’ to be adhered. (29)  

Some reciting Scriptures, and accordingly living a simple life of service to others , Some willing to give up their lives to protect and rule others – Some others Engaging in wealth-creation and wealth-transaction, and for these Three, Some offering their services – Such is the pious division of labour! (30)  

The tradition of ‘Varna Dharma’, has lost its glory, The luster of its virtues due to misapprehension of its intrinsic values! – Karma Being wrongly associated with the “caste of birth”, today, We lost the glory on the Justice of Truth! (31)

The tradition of ‘Varna Dharma’, has lost its glory, The lustre of its virtues due to misapprehension of its intrinsic values! – Karma Being wrongly asscoiated with the “caste of birth”, today, We lost the glory on the Justice of Truth! (31) 

(However) Everyone’s role and the norms appropriate to the chosen life-style define the righteous code-of conduct! – In discharging diligently The norms of the four-types of varna-dharma, do come into our daily-chores. Hence it is appropriate for all, to suitably adhere to such Varna Dharma! (32) 

(It is because) When preaching and practicing scriptural virtues, we are Brahmin; when committing to sacrifice the self for the protection of others, we are Kshatria; as we toil and trade for the welfare of all, we are Vaishya and when serving others for earning livelihood we all are Shudra. Thus (these days), we all share these four-roles in our chores!(33)

(Well) So be The four types of life-styles and their code-of-good-conduct! Here, for me, a family-dweller, what is the ‘prescribed-action’? – If thus asked There are three, for the family-dweller, namely, the ‘offerings’ (‘Dhaanam’), ‘penance’ (‘Tapas’) and ‘Sacrifice’ (‘Thyaag’). Understanding this Wisdom and its adherence is the onus of family-dwellers. (34) 

When one gives away what is indispensible (for one’s own need), Towards the needs of others (without their asking!) – whole heartedly, And at once forgets the very act to be free of any expectation in return, That virtuous and elevating act is ‘Dhaanam, the ‘offering’.(35) 

The Mind may desire to do ‘offering’; yet is the need for resources! That is why the family-dweller (alone) has the right to earn riches and without blemish! – That is Dharma! (Accordingly), all ‘pursuits of earning’ should be oriented only to support others (and the basic needs of the family)! Noble are those of virtuous actions, ‘Dhaanam’. (36) 

Only to embellish and nurture the good-intent of charity in our mind. There are ‘Five-Great-Offerings’ as the daily duty of the family-dwellers! – (However) these ‘Panca-Mahaa-Yajna’ or ‘Five-Great-Offerings’ are easier to do, everyday By little effort (as prescribed), ‘Dhaanam’ becomes our very nature! (37)

The ‘offering’ to merciful God, known as the ‘Deva -Yajnam’, is the foremost ‘Dhaanam’ to be done on each day!- May every day be blessed, to begin with the prayer to God, leading to cheerful completion of the day! Here ‘Dhaanam’ is the ‘offering of the mind’ in divine contemplation So as to be totally under the reign of God! (38) 

The ‘Rishi-Yajnam’ or the ‘offering to Seers’ is the tribute to the great Seers of Vedanta, (like repaying the debt), by following their path and teachings, and upon the understanding, offering the same to others, thus celebrating the Seers and the Scriptures and through the daily-recital, spreading their glory! These represent (the second) Dhaanam (of the Five-Great-Offerings).(39) 

To our Parents, and all our anscestors who have discarded their embodiments, With immense gratitude, May we offer prayers at their gracious feet everyday, Paying tribute with the ‘offerings’ of things and love, Which is known as ‘Pitru Yajna’ or the ‘Tribute to Anscestors’, (which is the third) ‘Dhaanam’ (of the Five-Great-Offerings). (40)

Whoever comes to our house, whether upon invitation or not, relatives or strangers, no matter what, must be welcome; their company is to be taken with delight, not any disgust; with good food and healing words of comfort, they are to be treated with love and respect. Such is the ‘Manusha-Yajna’ or the ‘Offering to human fraternity’, (which is the fourth) ‘Dhaanam’ (of the Five-Great-Offerings). (41)

To other beings – Birds, Cow and such animals, worms, insects and such small beings, plants, tress and such vegetation that thrive on water – May we offer nourishing food for their sustenance (as they do have the same right to live on this earth); Such offering is the ‘Bhuta-Yajna’ or the ‘Offering to non-human beings’, (which is the fifth) ‘Dhaanam’ (of the Five-Great-Offerings). (42)

(Thus, everyday), Worshipping God, reciting the scriptures and the words of great Seers, making offerings to ancestors, giving comforting words and feasts to other human-beings in the world and nurturing the animals and plants – these ‘five offerings’ as ‘pancha mahaa yajnaa’ brings great progress to all. (43)

“O, do I have to do these ‘five dhaanas’ everyday! How could I, as these would interrupt my other chores!” – If you ponder thus, it is not true! It is because, as you do these ‘five offerings’ everyday, ‘dhaanam’ becomes your very nature and in due course, it becomes a ‘penance’ or ‘Tapas’, which nourishes your spiritual growth. (44)

What is ‘Tapas’ or ‘Penance’? Uniting the three instruments of action, namely, the speech (words), the body and the mind, like ‘Shiva’, controlling one’s scattering-mind and keeping it still by the destruction of all its vacillation, thereby being able to discard the entire universe, and dwell only, and totally, on the ‘object of contemplation’, which itself is the boon of such valiant people, is known as ‘Tapas’ or ‘Penance’. (45)

The goal of ‘Tapas’ should be ‘self-inquiry’ and as the result, the realization that I am the sparkle of Siva, the ‘Brahmam’, eternally free from the dread of embodied existence in the world and thus have the supreme transcendence! (When one enters into ‘retirement’, the ‘vanaprasta’, the stage of self-inquiry, one should keep ‘Tapas’ as the only life-pursuit. Only to prepare for this transition, all virtues are imposed on the family-dwellers). (46)

‘In the retired-life, should I give up seeking the pleasures of the body and sensory objects in the world’ – if you ponder thus, may this be known! – Before falling helplessly into the bed (of death), should you not remove the shackles of dread and despair of embodied-life! For this purpose, you must learn to give up on the pleasures of gross body and objects. (In other words, do learn to ‘sacrifice’). (47)

For the ‘sanyaasa’ stage of life, ‘Thyaag’ or ‘sacrifice’ is the essential qualification. That is why, ‘sacrifice’ is the imbibed-value in the family-dwellers’ dharma. (For example), in the ‘Dhaanam’, there is ‘Thyaag’; In the ‘Tapas’, there is ‘Thyaag’. Knowing this at first (i.e. at the young age of studying and before entering into family-life) is very important as it enhances our conduct and steers towards progress in family-life. (48)

(Family-dwellers’ Dharma is only to inculcate ‘Thyaag’, and for example) The real goal of ‘vradaa’ or such ‘fasting’ austerities is to develop the value of ‘sacrifice’ and the spirit of ‘renunciation’. (as these help in later stages of life). Imagine what a torture it would be, such as in front of the lovely food, when we have already lost the essential teeth to munch, but still hold on to the desire! ( May you learn the value of sacrifice from young-age) (49)

(In this way), When Dhaanam, Tapas and Sacrifice form part of our daily-life, our life is enriched – With the ability to lead and control, all our actions could be (easily) discharged as virtuous ‘Karma-Yoga’. Acquisition of such merits (of doing Karma-Yoga) adds greater good to us.

‘Action without expecting the results is Karma-Yoga’ – Such sayings cause little contradiction in our minds. – Without result, why at all one needs to do any action! The action of shooting the arrow from the bow is to hit the target, is it not? (So how one does action without expecting the due result?)

It is indeed futile to do actions that bear no results. So, may you do actions that give good (virtuous) results. (But) in the outcome of the action, you have no rights and only the obligation to perform. In such words of wisdom, may you delightfully contemplate!

‘Why don’t I have the right on the outcome of my actions. – If you ponder, know that you have the right on the action (such as the contemplation to do or not etc.) before you embark on it. – But once the action is done (or already initiated), the outcome is modulated by the Will of God to suit the circumstances in the world. (Therefore, we don’t have the right on the outcome of our actions.)

(For example), before letting the arrow from the bow, we have every right to think why, how etc regarding the action – but once decided and the action is done (or initiated), then the trajectory of the released-arrow could be changed by the force of the wind. Thus result of our action is decided by the intervening force of God, for good. (So, we should not claim any right over the outcome of our actions.)

Hence, exercise the right before embarking on the action, once acted, do not claim the right over the outcome; Such performance makes the ‘karma’ into ‘karma-yoga’. – May you realize this Truth! (As a result), whatever is the outcome (of our action), deem it as the blessing of merciful God and actions as your onus, and so perform dutifully.

By deeming the outcome of our action as the gift of God, ‘Defects’ , if any, shall cause no damage (or grief) at all! – For such fulfilment ‘Acceptance’ should be our attitude; ‘Expectations’ should be given-up. With such disciplined-mind, may you enjoy true happiness (in all actions)

The ‘attitude’ with which we ‘act’, is the determinant for making ‘Karma’ into ‘Karmayoga’. Upon the clear understanding of this insight, May our acts, using the ‘word’ (mouth), ‘body’ and ‘mind’, be all endowed with ‘Rright-attitude’ for making the ‘Karma’ into ‘Karma-yoga’! May we be assured of this!

For whatever reason, in whatever we do, if we have ‘right-attitude’ In our approach and action, then – (for sure) all ill-effects vanish! Our perspective and the way-of-doing improve; our deeds become ‘yoga’; With the Grace of God, everything will be great!

When the ‘action’ is ‘righteous’, the ‘attitude’ is ‘virtuous’, and When the outcome of actions revered as the gift bestowed by the merciful God, And when action is done as a ‘duty’ as if ‘to repay the debt’ Then, for such performer, is the enlightened-mind and In the action, the glorious ‘Karma Yoga!

(How is it possible to do action, without expecting benefit?)When paying-off the last instalment to clear the debt, (although there is no new benefit) The mere act of paying gives relief and mental satisfaction. Similarly, by happily doing every action as a duty and the way to freedom, One stands tall as Karma-Yogi, having ‘Renunciation-in-action’.

(How is it possible to do action, without expecting benefit?) Don’t we expect a salary for the work do? (If you ponder thus),(Yes, but) You must view the job as a ‘prescribed debt’, that you have willingly taken. (Hence) dutifully, May you do your job well! By discharging the duty as repayable debt,One stands tall as ‘Karma-Yogi’, having ‘Renunciation-in-action’.

(Karma Yoga) is ‘Renunciation-in-action’. That is what gives the true benefit.(For example) – by its very nature in the world, the Sun ‘lights’ all! (Sun is not doing an action of ‘giving light’; Sun’s existence is light!) So are the Karma-Yogis, Who in their ‘renunciation-in- action’ benefit the world!

Although I yearn to do only virtuous actions, Why am I doing evil things and causing troubles! – If you so ponder, then Study your (innately) golden-mind! It is enamelled by the paint of Grief-causing evil qualities, and those cause the pain.

(Why do we pursue unrighteous ways?) The ways into which our Words, deeds and wavering thoughts lead, squarely depends on the powerful fabric of three guna, the intrinsic tendencies, with which we are naturally composed, and upon which is our accumulated karma-phala, the entrapment into the cycle of grief. Therefore, May you refine the guna, the intrinsic tendencies!

If our intrinsic nature is woven by the fabrics of those three guna, then how is it possible to untangle the mess? – This is a good question! We sow good seeds with the intent to nourish good plants, yet weeds arise on their own, which we systematically remove to cultivate the good. (Likewise, May we carefully remove the weed of thoughts as those arise!)

Driven by (dispassionate and) discriminating intellect and maintaining a ‘balanced’ perspective and approach in all actions – is like (a discerning weaver) carefully removing entangled threads and use the right seam to produce the useful cloth! For such result (i.e to be a good human-being), the essential seam is the virtuous attitude, known as ‘satva’.

Driven by the passion, our mind becomes emotional at our tasks. (Although certain drive is vital to perform), by good practice, one should control the emotions and the drive in doing one’s tasks (dispassionately). Even then, ‘satva’, the virtuous quality of being equipoise must rule, for one’s progress!

Rest, sleep, no physical work, nor any mental or intellectual work – Such are due to ‘Tamas’, the intrinsic tendency. – (Although such rests may be necessary), one should guard against ‘Tamas’ from pushing into the darkness of lethargy and stupidity, by carefully monitoring and nipping such tendencies at its bud (to remain in the state of ‘Satva’, the ‘equipoise’).

(To nurture good character, healthy body and virtuous words), may we do ‘yogaasana’ at an appropriate level of the physique, recite the scriptures and such holy texts, regulate breathing by ‘Pranaayaama’ and perform ‘Dhyaana’ in the mind, the subtle body, by curtailing wasteful thoughts and focusing on God, the Supreme Truth – Such disciplines improve our life and bestow great benefits.

Only our thoughts colour all words and deeds (i.e. all verbal, physical and mental actions are influenced by the bias of our mind. Therefore), With strong will, may One mellow the mind and regulate the stream of thoughts. By doing so, One’s action, be it verbal, physical or intellectual , it will be virtuous like a ‘penance’.

As ‘thoughts’ naturally occur (without our efforts), what could one do to control those, even with great confidence? – If such a question is asked, (be aware), like a blushing damsel who freezes upon realizing that she is being observed, the mind slows down as if fading away. (With an assured understanding of this) as One practices (the art of seeing One’s own mind), the subtle technique leads to fruition.

(The reasoning for the need to control the mind is fine; but then) What is also the need for the earlier instruction to “control the breathing”? Why is also the need to recite the scriptures of virtuous sounds? – (If you ask thus), How wonderful (to know)! As breathing is regulated, thoughts get regulated! The subtle force at the abdomen-base, the cause of all (thoughts and) speech also becomes stronger (and purer) to bestow goodness!

“How could I accept such notions without a rational proof?”If you have such a doubt, then to prove the case, know that there is no need of a magic (or any rare experiment)! With total commitment, (just) observe the breathing and become aware that the respiration automatically slows down and is more fulfilling.

To regulate the flow of thoughts, the regulation of inhaling and exhaling helps.To regulate the inhalation and exhalation, physical-discipline is important!The sign of physical discipline is that the body is able to stand as required or seated in the required posture, comfortably! (Such enduring flexibility brings benefit and therefore, may you strive hard to inculcate physical discipline!

It seems impossible (for most of us) to stay put, even for half-an-hour or so, at a place without moving the body! This is a defect! (To live in this world) As the body is the precious instrument, we should ensure its pristine condition and its right applicability. By doing so, we accrue innumerable benefits!

‘Body’ is not to be taken to mean only the tangible form of the physique as it also refers to the composition of ‘air’ that wanders inside, the (five) ‘sensory functions along with the mind’, ‘the intellect and ‘something’ that transcends even that!

‘Gross-body’ is the physical and tangible form of the body. The ‘breathing-force’, the ‘mind with all sensory faculties’ and the ‘intellect’ – together form the ‘Subtle-body’ and the cause of (dwelling in such gross and subtle bodies in ) many births defines the ‘Causal-body’, the residual load of one’s past-deeds or the ‘karma-phala’ thus forming three-fold embodiments.

The nutrients of the ‘food’ that we consume nourishes our Gross-body and (in this process, our body is also consumed by it (as evident from the decay of Gross-body). Moreover, the subtle essence of the food that we consume also nourishes and bring changes to the Subtle-body and such changes to our mind are evident over time!

As the food that we eat becomes our embodiments, be mindful of the many subtle and deep imprints (arising from emotions or stress) within the cells of the food-product that also become part of us, resulting in changes to our body, mind and attitude. May we, therefore, carefully appraise and consume only those that cause no harm.

“One’s body is the food one eats…” – thus we know the truth and to benefit from this, may we consume only the ‘right food’ and enjoy our embodiments. – This would mean, may the ‘right produce’ of the Earth be fed to nourish our ‘Gross-body’’ ; through the faculty of senses, may only the ‘right (virtuous and calming) input be fed to our ‘Subtle-body’.

(Like the good nutrients that nourish the Gross-body), the healthy-food for the senses is the conducive conditions all-around, that causes no evil or grief. Gently, those that help to streamline one’s thoughts in the righteous ways, is indeed the grand feast to nurture one’s ‘Subtle-body’.

“One’s body is the food one eats…” – thus we know the truth and to benefit from this, may we consume only the ‘right food’ and enjoy our embodiments. – This would mean, may the ‘right produce’ of the Earth be fed to nourish our ‘Gross-body’’ ; through the faculty of senses, may only the ‘right (virtuous and calming) input be fed to our ‘Subtle-body’.