Is it possible to work without reward?

Lord Krishna's famous and oft-quoted advice to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, which is the heart of the Bhagavad Gita, the holy book of the Hindus, was: "Karmanye Vadhikaraste, Ma Phaleshu Kadachana, Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhurmatey Sangostva Akarmani..."

Forget The Fruits Of Labour

The meaning of the Sanskrit phrase is: "You have the right to perform your duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions." Secondly, "Do not let the reward be the purpose of your actions, as a result of which, you will not become attached to not performing your duty."

Eternal Advice

Krishna gave this eternally relevant advice to Pandava prince Arjuna when he expressed his inability to fight against, and maybe even kill, his own cousins, the Kauravas. As he shivered in anguish, Krishna made things easy for him by asking him to forget the final consequence of his actions, and simply do what was required of him at the time.

What Makes It Eternal

What makes the advice eternal is that even today, in the face of so much change, it is still so relevant. It is still the best mindset to possess when engrossed in work. If we go about performing our duties, giving our work our best shot, and not worrying about whether we will be recognised for our contribution, isn't that the best option?

The Only Option

It may not only be the best option, but the only option that we may have, if you really think about it. Because, in reality, our approach to work - how much we're willing to give it, how much we're ready to "own" it - is all that may be in our hands. Is it even possible to influence the impact of our work, though we may make some projections?

Free And Fearless

There's another thing: The more we work for a reward, the less focussed we become on what we're good at: if you don't believe me, try it for yourself. How free and independent we feel when we are truly devoted to our work. There's no need to dilute efforts in other directions. There's no need to feel fear about what may happen.

True Measure Of Success

What's more, one need not stoop to blowing one's own trumpet, either. When your work is a result of your pure efforts, your work will speak for itself. Then, Krishna himself will blow the conch for you! In other words, praise will come to you in surprising, new ways...

Single Focus Vs Multi-Tasking

There's another big favour you may be doing yourself, both in the spiritual sense and in the material sense. By forgetting the reward, or leaving it to the boss, you are free to just do your work, and naturally, that kind of focus is a better approach than being a scatter-brain.

Flattery Is Such A Waste Of Time

No offense meant, but flattery seems such a waste of time. Unless, it's in the form of imitation, which is said to be the best form of flattery. Sure, go ahead and imitate anyone who's worth learning from. You would be stupid not to. But most flattery of bosses is aimed at getting greater rewards. Why twist your personality and become someone you're not?

It's About Faith

Forgetting rewards is like the ultimate detachment. And detachment is what all religions preach. It is a crucial ladder on the spiritual stairway. But it comes only when you have faith - faith in yourself that you can do it, and faith in God that he is there to take care of you. Of course, you don't have to try too hard. of course, it comes easy. God Bless.

Source:-The Times of India (Speaking Tree)