Why is it said that actions cause bondage?

Action, by itself, does not bind us. But the attitude with which actions are performed is crucial in determining whether they will create bondage. When an action is performed, with ego and egocentric desires, we are bound to react to the result.

If we like and enjoy something, it produces more desires to repeat the experience and to fulfil those we do more and more action. Conversely, disappointment with the result leaves an impression of dislike in the mind, and we try to escape from such actions. Both are in the realm of action only. Therefore, Gurudev has succinctly pointed out, “Sin is not in action, it is in reaction.” With a reactive mind, we fall into the cycle of action and reaction. For example, if you are habituated to having tea at 4 p.m. every day, you are incapable of focusing on any task until you drink a cup of tea! Thus, you are no longer independent; you are compelled to act.

Actually, most of our actions are often ‘impulsive actions’ – reactions, not responses to life’s situations. When an action is performed without the right knowledge and attitude, we create impressions, technically called ‘vasanas’ in Vedanta. The action leaves, as it were, a fragrance behind, an impression that prompts us to repeat the action. It is important to understand that though the result of an action is temporary, the impression it leaves behind creates a vicious circle of action and reaction, which is almost endless. Thereby, we become bound, dependent, limited and sorrowful.

Act we Must!

If this cycle of action-reaction-action is the cause of bondage, should we not give up actions?

This was exactly Arjuna’s situation on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Without right knowledge, we mistakenly understand that actions are the cause of bondage and should be given up. Generally, there is a tendency to give up actions that we do not like. The truth is that as long as we live, we cannot but act!

The amusing story of a person living in the Himalayas nails the point. One day, he decided not to do any action at all. He entered a cave and declared that he would not do anything; he would not even go and ask for food; people would have to bring it to him!

But, they pointed out, “You will have to pick it up and eat it. That is an action.”

“No, others will have to feed me”

“Ok. But you will still have to chew and swallow!”

Certain actions can be given up, but all actions cannot be given up. As long as we live, action will be performed. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna clearly states that even sustenance of the body is impossible without action.

Action is not to be condemned, but for our own growth and evolution, the attitude with which actions are performed needs to be transformed. Giving up action is not the solution. By giving up action, our existing vasanas cannot be exhausted.

Gratitude Weakens the Ego

If actions create vasanas, how can these vasanas be exhausted? How can actions purify my mind?

The solution for exhausting vasanas also lies in action itself. We have to learn how to act without producing more impressions, more compulsions that propel us into action for which we have to take more and more births. Strong likes and dislikes create desires or repulsions in our minds. These coerce us into action – either to run towards the object of our desire, or to run away from undesirables.

When we are ignorant of the fact that all our abilities are given by the Lord; when we forget that He is the karma adhyaksha by whose grace every action is possible; when we disregard the truth that He is the karma phal daata, the dispenser of the fruits of our actions according to laws created by Him, the ego develops the thought, ‘I am the one who has achieved everything. The result of the action is for me alone!’ Thereby, unwittingly, we create agitation and bondage for ourselves.

However, when actions are performed as a dedication, an offering to Ishwara, the mind is freed from likes and dislikes; when we feel grateful for having the ability to act, the result is only seva or service. When our actions are dedicated to a higher goal – the community, the nation to whom we owe so much, or to the Lord from whom we have received everything, there is no place for personal desires. All actions done with love and have the glow of efficiency.

With this attitude, we accept the result as prasad. This is called, ‘prasad buddhi.’ When there is an attitude of acceptance, the mind does not get agitated or attached; it becomes non-reactive. There is no question of likes and dislikes.

Action, normally a source of bondage, is transformed into a means for union (yoga) with the Infinite. When we convert every action into one of gratitude, with the feeling: ‘whatever we have in life is His gift to us, whatever we do is an expression of our gratitude to Him’, the mind is purified. We do the action, we get a result, but we are not bound by it.

This secret of inspirational living is karma yoga. Agitations of the mind, likes and dislikes are reduced; the existing store of vasanas is exhausted; and no new impressions are created. Actions become a means for purification of the mind. Such a mind becomes a contemplative mind, ready to gain the liberating knowledge of the Self. Such a mind becomes fit for meditation.