The Genius of Dnyaneshwar Dnyaneshwari Verses 225–271 Geeta Chapter 3
163
Chapter 39
Passion, Desire, Greed and Lust
The third chapter of the Geeta is now drawing to a close. The colophon1 at the end of this chapter states that this chapter of the Geeta is devoted to ‘Karma Yog’, which has been dealt with earlier. But a brief recapitulation will not be out of place. Karma, an activity, work or duty or a social ethic is what man must be harnessed to, is what this part of the Geeta stresses. But this is easier said than done. Reward for work is a paramount need of man’s mind. But this feeling, however natural, can lead to complications. Too much focus on reward distracts man, might discourage or disappoint him, particularly if his estimate of what and how he should be rewarded is not fulfilled. But that is a minor problem as compared to its other fallouts, namely an increase in passion or greed or a sense of lust leading to a disproportionate feeling of constant desire. These four feelings are innate but rear their ugly heads with considerable ferocity when the technique of work with a certain sense of detachment is not practised. Arjun has been cajoled2, advised and even chastised3 while dealing with this subject and is now convinced but he poses a very interesting question and asks as to why great men, full of wisdom, are unable to practise detachment, while at work. Here is how he starts to ask questions. If to deviate from decreed karma is fraught with danger and is unwholesome, then Why do they stray To these dangerous ways Why do they choose to go By these unwholesome ways …466 Particularly, says Arjun When they are in the know And know whatever there is to know …467