With Attitude Of Assertion And Possession One Is Bound To Suffer - Hinduism Thoughts

The goal of spiritual life is self-abnegation.

This can be achieved only by gradually effacing and eventually completely annihilating one’s ego.

One has to do selfless work. This is imperative since all suffering is caused by the presence of two attitudes the sense of doer-ship and the sense of enjoyer-ship.

As long as one has either of these attitudes, that of assertion and possession, one is bound to suffer. By doing selfless work, one tries to get rid of the attachment one has to the results of a work.

If one is not at all affected by the results of a work, then the sense of possession gradually fades and ceases to exist. If one is established in the practice of selfless work and does not expect any result, then one stops having ideas like ‘This is mine’, ‘I have to acquire that’, or ‘That belonged to me once’. Thus, the idea of possession or the idea of enjoyer ship is removed.

Even after the removal of the idea of possession, the idea that one has to perform some activity remains, albeit in a weak form. This arises out of the idea of assertion or the idea of doer-ship. The idea of doer-ship can be transcended only when one realizes the futility of action or the vanity of thinking, ‘I do this’, ‘I have to do this’, or ‘I did this’.

Source - Prabuddha Bharata magazine editorial June 2017

The above passage reflects deep philosophical ideas rooted in the practice of selfless action (karma yoga), as explained in ancient Hindu texts, particularly the Bhagavad Gita. Let’s break it down with additional layers of understanding, symbolism, and examples from Hinduism.

Expanded Understanding

The passage first explains how detachment from the results of one’s work leads to the erosion of the sense of possession. This concept is central to Karma Yoga, where the emphasis is on performing one’s duty without attachment to the fruits of the action (known as Nishkama Karma). The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 47) expresses this idea clearly:

"You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction."

When a person is no longer concerned with the outcomes of their actions, the ego or the sense of ‘I’ starts to diminish. The idea of "I" is often attached to the results because it is the ego that claims possession and ownership. But as this identification weakens, the sense of “mine” or “this is mine” also fades, leading to freedom from attachment.

Symbolism: Detachment and Liberation

The detachment from results and ownership symbolizes liberation (moksha). In the Hindu tradition, liberation is not just freedom from the cycle of birth and death but also freedom from the bondage of desires, ego, and ignorance. The chains that bind a person to the material world—possessions, ambitions, attachments—are primarily mental. When one transcends these, they attain peace.

This also mirrors the story of Janaka, a philosopher-king in the Upanishads. Despite being a king with vast wealth and responsibilities, Janaka lived in complete detachment, performing his duties without ego or attachment to the results. This symbolizes that inner renunciation does not require outward renunciation.

Importance of Transcending Doer-ship

After letting go of possessions, there remains a subtler attachment: the sense of being the doer (kartritva bhava). The passage highlights that even after possessions no longer hold sway, a person may still cling to the idea that they are performing actions. The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 3, Verse 27) addresses this illusion:

"All activities are carried out by the three modes of material nature. But in ignorance, the soul, deluded by false identification with the body, thinks itself to be the doer."

Here, the "three modes" refer to the gunas—sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance)—which govern all actions. By realizing that one is not the true doer but a mere instrument, this last vestige of ego—the doer-ship—is dissolved. The real doer is the divine energy (prakriti) working through us.

Practicality in Modern Day Life

This ancient wisdom has profound relevance in today's fast-paced, outcome-driven world:

1. Stress Reduction: By detaching from the results of actions, one can significantly reduce stress. In a world where success is often equated with results, this philosophy teaches that real success lies in effort, not outcomes.

2. Focus on the Present: Letting go of attachment to future results helps one to remain fully present in the current moment. This enhances mindfulness and the quality of work, whether in personal or professional life.

3. Humility and Teamwork: Modern work environments often emphasize individual achievements. Transcending doer-ship can foster a team spirit. By acknowledging that results are the product of many factors, it encourages humility and collaboration.

4. Mental Peace: Releasing both the burden of possession and doer-ship brings a profound sense of inner peace. Without attachment to outcomes or a personal sense of achievement, a person is less prone to anxiety and disappointment.

Simple Story from Hinduism

A famous story in Hinduism that illustrates these principles is the story of the Sage Narada and Lord Vishnu:

Once, Sage Narada asked Vishnu who his greatest devotee was, expecting Vishnu to name him. Vishnu, however, pointed to a simple farmer. Curious, Narada went to observe the farmer. The farmer worked hard in the fields, taking Vishnu’s name only three times a day, whereas Narada constantly chanted the Lord’s name. Narada complained to Vishnu that he, as a sage, was more devoted than the farmer.

Vishnu gave Narada a pot filled to the brim with water and asked him to carry it around without spilling a drop. Narada carefully carried the pot, focusing completely on the task. When he returned, Vishnu asked how many times he had remembered him. Narada realized that in his intense focus on carrying the pot, he had forgotten to think of Vishnu altogether.

Vishnu explained that the farmer, while performing his daily tasks, thought of him at least three times, which was more meaningful than Narada’s uninterrupted chants without the burden of worldly duties.

The story teaches that detachment from results, while performing duties diligently, is the essence of devotion and selflessness.

Modern-Day Relevance

In today’s professional environment, people are often obsessed with goals, promotions, and personal gains. The message of detachment from results and ego is particularly relevant for avoiding burnout. For instance, an employee working hard on a project should focus on the quality of work and the learning gained, rather than worrying about whether the project will bring recognition or not.

In personal life, relationships often suffer when we expect returns from our acts of love, care, or kindness. The practice of selfless service (seva)—without expecting anything in return—can bring harmony in family, friendships, and society at large.

Benefits of Practicing Detachment

1. Freedom from Suffering: Attachment to outcomes often leads to disappointment and mental suffering when things don’t go as planned. Detachment frees one from this cycle.

2. Inner Strength: By focusing on action, and not the fruits, a person becomes resilient. Failures no longer discourage them, and successes don’t inflate their ego.

3. Spiritual Growth: The path of selfless work leads to self-realization, as it removes the barriers of ego and ignorance. It helps one realize their true divine nature, which is beyond actions and material possessions.

The journey from renouncing possession to transcending doer-ship is the pathway to spiritual liberation in Hindu philosophy. It fosters a life of freedom, peace, and humility. As individuals in today’s world, applying these principles can help us live more meaningful, fulfilling lives, less burdened by material outcomes and driven more by the joy of action itself. As the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes, "He who works selflessly, without attachment to results, is the true yogi."