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Part III: The Secret of Work.1415
after things contrary to his nature. Let each do the best he can, in his own
way, and in accordance with the highest within his own character.
“Beware of the fixed aversion or affection, for objects of sense which each
will find within himself. They are obstacles on the path, and the wise beware
of putting themselves in the power of these enemies within their camp.
“And, finally, O Arjuna, remember this, that it is better to do one’s own
duty, humble and insignificant though it be, than to seek to perform the
duty of another, no matter how much nobler that may seem. Better death
in the performance of one’s own duty and tasks, than victor in performing
the borrowed duty of another. The assumed tasks are full of danger. Doeth
the task at hand. When you are prepared to perform a higher one, it will be
placed before you, in the same manner.”
Arjuna: “But, O Krishna, it oft would seem that a man is pushed into evil
doing, by some power outside of himself—as if, contrary to his inclinations,
he were impelled by some secret force. Inform me, thou, of this mystery.”
Krishna: “It is the essence of his accumulated Desires, combining for
attack, that urgeth him on. It is this enemy of man, called lust or passion,
begotten of the carnal nature, full of sin and error. As the flame is dimmed
by the smoke, the bright metal by the rust, so is the understanding of man
obscured by this foe called Desire, which rageth like the fire, and is difficult
of being extinguished. The senses and the mind are its seat; and through
these it serves to confound and confuse the Discrimination. Thy first task
should be to conquer this foul dweller in the mind. Mastering first the senses,
and sense organs, proceedeth thou then to put to death this thing of evil.
“The senses are great and powerful; but greater and more powerful than
the Senses is the Mind; and greater than the Mind is the Will; and greater
than the Will is the Real Self.
“So, thus, recognizing the Real Self as higher than all, proceedeth thou to
govern the Personal Self, by the power of the Real Self, and thus conquer
this foul monster, Desire, most difficult to seize, and yet possible of being