If the cycle of action-reaction-action is the cause of bondage, should we not give up actions?
Action, by itself does not bind us. But the attitude with which the actions are performed are crucial in determining whether they will create bondage. When an action is done, as Gurudev says, with the ego and egocentric desires, we are bound to react to the result.
Like Arjuna on the battlefield, 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!
To nail the point, Gurudev used this amusing story of a person living in the Himalayas who one day decided to not do any action at all. He entered a cave, declared 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. In the Bhagavad-Gita, Krishna clearly states that even sustenance of body is impossible without action.
Action is not to be condemned, giving it up is definitely not a solution, but the attitude with which actions are performed needs to be transformed for our own growth and evolution.
An excerpt from ‘Doubts Dispelled- Q/A with Swami Swaroopananda.’