Dhyan Aur Karmyog

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dhyan aur Karmyog" by G.S. Narvani, based on the provided pages:

The book "Dhyan aur Karmyog" (Meditation and the Yoga of Action) by G.S. Narvani explores the relationship between spiritual practice (dhyan/meditation/devotion) and fulfilling one's duties (karmayoga/duty). The central question addressed is whether devotion to God or the fulfillment of duty is more important for a human being.

The author argues that true dharma (righteous duty) for a human is to perform their duties. Citing the Bhagavad Gita, the text emphasizes that performing actions without attachment to results or desire is the highest dharma. While everyone desires to do good, speak truthfully, avoid harming others, remain pure, and live peacefully, many fail to do so despite understanding the importance of these qualities. The reason for this failure, the text suggests, is the lack of inner strength, which comes from not meditating on or connecting with the divine.

The text asserts that God-consciousness or divine worship is essential not only for performing duties correctly but also for even understanding what one's true duty is. Three key elements are necessary for fulfilling one's duty:

1. Knowledge of the right duty: This comes from the inner light and clarity gained through meditation.
2. Knowledge of the right path to perform the duty: Even with the knowledge of duty, one needs to know the just and appropriate way to carry it out. An unjust path will not lead to true peace and happiness.
3. Strength to perform the duty: This strength is developed through devotion.

The text illustrates this point with the example of Mahatma Gandhi, who was able to challenge a powerful government through non-violent resistance because he possessed the inner strength derived from his constant connection with God. Gandhi stated that he began his day with God's worship, derived his future plans from divine inspiration, and received the strength to fulfill his duties from this connection.

Through meditation, a person's thoughts begin to calm, leading to introspection and the realization of one's shortcomings. Even minor flaws become apparent and can be addressed. Meditation purifies the mind, cleanses negative thoughts and ingrained habits, sharpens intellect, strengthens discernment, and allows the light of the soul to shine. It is in this "light of dharma" that true duty is understood. Decisions made without divine guidance can be erroneous, while even the blind can make correct decisions in God's light.

After understanding one's duty, knowing the correct path to fulfill it is crucial. If the path is wrong or unjust, the intended peace and joy from fulfilling the duty will not be realized. Many people, despite knowing their duty and the right path, fail to act due to fear, circumstances, or selfishness. This perseverance and courage are also gained through deep divine meditation. When God resides in the heart through meditation, it naturally cultivates inner strength, indomitable courage, and complete fearlessness.

Therefore, the text recommends daily morning and evening meditation to achieve closeness with God, thereby gaining true knowledge, awareness of duty, awakened discernment, and a strengthened soul. In other moments throughout the day – waking up, sleeping, eating, walking, or during idle moments – one should mentally remember God, seek closeness, and draw upon divine light, peace, and joy.

The text posits that God is a formless, nameless essence or power, and whatever name or form we attribute to it is acceptable. This divine power cleanses our mental habits and the "dust" of worldly thoughts, keeping the mirror of our mind clear, enabling true understanding of our duties. Along with awakened knowledge and discernment, divine strength must be drawn through meditation to successfully perform duties.

In conclusion, while action and duty are considered the true worship, without meditation or divine worship, one cannot gain the knowledge of the right duty, the knowledge of the right path to perform it, or the strength to execute it.

The text further elaborates that every duty is significant, but only when the intention behind the action is pure, when the knowledge supporting the intention is purposeful, and when that purpose is ultimate. Thus, fulfilling one's true ultimate purpose through every duty is essential. It is a mistake to hope for the fulfillment of a pure objective through impure means, as the impurity cannot be erased, and its consequences will taint even the purest outcome. Therefore, following pure means is imperative for the fulfillment of the purest objectives.