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Lesson V: Karma Yoga.331
or disturbed from any cause he finds relief in his work. He finds it a great
help in overcoming the temptations of the lower part of his nature, and a
wonderful aid in helping him to meet the new problems that are constantly
presenting themselves to him.
It is natural to man to work. It is a manifestation of the divine creative power
manifesting through him. It is the desire for expression and unfoldment.
If thy soul recoil from the sight of the vanities of the world—from its
hollow ideals and aims—from its cruelty—from its injustice—from its
blindness—from the puppet-show play manifest on all sides to one who sees
and thinks—rest thyself for a moment, retiring into the silence of the inner
chambers of thyself. Do not be discouraged—do not feel like withdrawing
from it all—do not cry out in anguish and sorrow. You have a work to do,
and no one can do it so well as you. Your life has a meaning—a purpose. So
go back again into the midst of the fray. Play well thy part—do the tasks set
before you to-day—do the “duties” that seem proper for your doing. It is
all a part of your soul development, and the development of the race. Let
not the hollowness and worthlessness of it all dishearten and disgust you.
It all means something. But beware of becoming entangled in the fruits of
your action—in the desire for reward. Keep your eyes clear and your mind
unclouded.
Do not think that you may keep out of the fight, but, as the “Light on the
Path” says: “And though thou fightest, be not thou the warrior.”
If thy Karma has set thee in the midst of action—act! It is thy only chance
of working out of the conditions that fret and disturb thee.
You cannot run away from your Karma—you must exhaust it—work it out.
You will be repaid in the end.
This question is beautifully treated upon in the great Sanscrit poem, “The
Bhagavad-Gita.” The Prince Arjuna, complains of being forced in the battle
of life, and beseeches Krishna to relieve him of the duty. Krishna tells him his
duty, and urges him to perform it. Edwin Arnold has translated this poem