2:40: In this effort there is no loss or reversal. Even the slightest performance of this selfless duty releases one from the greatest fear.According to the laws of karma (cause and effect) the soul is like a leaf on the open sea tossed to and fro by cause and effect. Positive actions result in positive material benefits. Negative actions produce negative material results. In both cases the soul is further bound to material consciousness because material actions must always produce material results. This has been conclusively proven by Sankhya as Sri Krsna has pointed out. By performing material actions therefore no one is ever released from bondage and fear. Arjuna then should free his mind from such thoughts. The nature of the Self is spiritual (Nirguna Brahman) and the natural longing of the eternal soul is to resume spiritual consciousness and restore Sat (eternal existence), Chit (eternal consciousness), Ananda (eternal bliss). To this end all who are spiritually inclined seek moksha (liberation) from material consciousness and bondage by various means.
It should be noted that the word yoga means to yoke the materially conditioned consciousness to God and spiritual consciousness. However defined this is the goal of all yoga systems.
Those who therefore renounce the results of their actions -- both positive and negative -- attain release from bondage. But how can this be done? Sri Krsna here assures Arjuna that by such renunciation the soul always progresses and never loses the result of even the slightest such renunciation.
2:41: Maintain single-pointed focus of your intelligence, O beloved of the Kurus, for indeed the intelligence of those without such resolution are many branched.
2:42: Flowery words are spoken in the Vedas for those who are unwise and who delight in pointless debate and discussion, O son of Partha. Such people say there is nothing better!
2:43: Such people are full of desire and have the heavenly realms as their highest goal, thus they perform peculiar actions in order to produce fruits of good birth, pleasure and power.
2:44: Those who cling to such pleasures and powers have deluded minds, their intellects are not resolved on the attainment of true spiritual contemplation and meditation.
Various types of people take up spiritual practice. They study the scriptures for diverse reasons. Those who seek to acquire positive karma with the hope of attaining material advancement, or who seek fame and honor at the debates are missing the greater purpose of such activities.
Sri Krsna refers to such people as unwise (avipascitah). Such misguided religionists fail to attain liberation and lack the single-pointed focus required to achieve the goal of life: spiritual realization. Seeking fame, honor, power, wealth and so on they remain trapped by cause and effect.
2:45: The Vedas describe the three qualities of material nature. O Arjuna, be untouched by these. Be devoid of duality, abide in eternal goodness, be free from the concept of acquisition and preservation and be established in the Self.
Although they may appear to be religious, the type of people described above are surely trapped by the three gunas or qualities of material consciousness. Such lukewarm religionists make little real progress nor does their sadhana or practice produce the desired results. The Three Qualities of Material Nature
- Sattva Guna: Goodness, purity, balance, intelligence.
- Raja Guna: Passion, activity, energy.
- Tama Guna: Ignorance, delusion, darkness.
Actions performed under the influences of these three material gunas ultimately further bind the embodied soul to material existence and consciousness. For this reason Sri Krsna advises Arjuna to perform his duty without any material attachments. Such detachment is attained by maintaining attachment to the Supreme Lord and His service. Such service is nitya-sattva-sthah, abiding in eternal goodness. By performing actions that are free from desire one is spared such causal results.
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