T he grief of Arjuna in the first chapter of the Geeta is addressed by Lord Krishna through counselling in the second chapter and he suggests acquiring equipoise by performing actions without attachment. As the counselling advances, it takes the form of serious philosophical and self evolutionary discourse in the succeeding chapters. The third chapter deals with the Yoga of action and Lord Krishna highlights that even though the ultimate purpose is to attain knowledge of consciousness, actions are an inevitable evolutionary ladder which can not be renounced. The fourth chapter emphasises the significance of knowledge combined with action based upon its renunciation and is called Jnana- Karma- SanyasaYoga. Lord Krishna propounds that he first imparted the knowledge of Yoga to the sun in the beginning of the creation and it has been handed over subsequently to the next generations. But in between it was lost and now again Lord Krishna is making it public.

 

Yoga is nothing, but a collection of techniques which bring out the divinity hidden in human beings. There is a constant dialogue between Arjuna and Lord Krishna. Arjuna is not able to understand how Lord Krishna imparted the knowledge of Yoga in the beginning of the creation millions of years ago. To the query, Lord Krishna illuminates the theory of incarnation necessitated by the circumstances of different ages for the protection of the good and destruction of the evil. This is the dynamism of the Vedic culture. Nothing is fixed, so one parameter will not decide the solution of the varied problems of the coming ages. So new solutions are to be discovered in every age. Elaborating the deeper concepts of the Yogas of action and knowledge, Lord Krishna exhorts Arjuna to be free from attachment, fear and anger. Freedom from these emotions establishes the practitioner into the pure knowledge leading to discover the divinity within. According to the latest theory of psychology, craving, fear and anger are destructive emotions and they need to be controlled.

 

The concept of Emotional Intelligence is totally based upon the management of these emotions. In this context Lord Krishna brings out a great psychological fact that in whatever way one approaches him, he rewards in the same way. This statement is reinforced by the fact that what we consider reality is nothing, but the creation of our thoughts and actions.The core values of human beings are based upon their attributes and duties. The degeneration of this core value gave rise to the caste system based upon birth. But the Vedic culture originally does not attach any value to birth. Craving for the fruits of actions creates bondage. So to perform the duties without being attached establishes one in the flow state of the mind. Actions are dynamic and inscrutable. There are three types of actions, good, bad and neutral. It is not proper to get entangled into the intellectual intricacies of actions. It is better to perform the actions without a sense of attachment. Actions performed with a sense of service becomes a sacrifice. In order to prepare the foundation for detached and selfless performance of duties, one needs to first exercise control over sense organs and mind.

 

Lord Krishna advocates numerous breathing and other techniques to control the sense organs and human mind. Even today experts are of the opinion that breathing exercises or the Pranayamas are the most effective tools to control the mind. By the clear understanding and knowledge regarding these subjects, one becomes able to free oneself from the sorrow and suffering. Knowledge is the best purifier. Devotion, self control and knowledge lead to permanent peace. Lastly Lord Krishna tells Arjuna to cast doubts and march ahead on the path of righteous duty in the light of knowledge by renouncing attachment to fruits of actions.