Stop bothering too much…

Naveen Tripathi
Aug 22, 2017 · 3 min read

KARMANYE VADHIKARASTE MA FALESU KADACHANA

Most of us tend to think that this shloka from Srimad Bhagwat Geeta has a very obvious message. The most usual interpretation is “don’t bother about the outcome just focus on your karma” because the outcome is not in your hands. After all, we can’t control the outcomes. For instance, an investor or business person can make policies, he can invest capital but the final outcome may be beyond their expectations i.e. on the either side, high or low.

If we plan something, then obviously there is an expectation of a particular outcome exists inside in our minds. But why did Sri Krishna say we can’t control the outcomes? Let’s try to develop a deeper perspective of this shloka.

In Physics, we know that everybody in our universe is under a system of forces i.e. more than one force is applied on the body at the same time. In our every action, there will be many forces exists.

Suppose, we are applying a 10 Newton (unit of measuring force in physics) force on an object from opposite directions. Will the object move? Not really. But if we increase one force by 5 Newton, now will the object move? Yes, it will, in the direction of extra 5 Newton force. Actually, a body is always under a system of forces and the motion or outcome is oriented in the direction of the resultant of the system of the forces. The resultant always moves in the direction of the larger force.

Now consider this as an analogy for our daily lives, we are always under a system of forces/circumstances/people. We generally set targets to do something, to achieve something, to build something. It is good to set targets but bothering too much about the outcome is not good. We can only influence the outcome of our efforts but can’t get complete control of it. There are n number of forces/situations are simultaneously applicable there which are influencing the outcome of any effort you put in their direction. For example; Suppose Company A sets target revenue of 500 cr for a quarter by selling air conditioning systems. Now, this revenue is affected by so many situations/forces i.e. the potential of workers, time frame given to them, market situations, the political situation of city/country, weather conditions, supply of the raw material, competitor strategy etc. The company can’t control all the cited factors. They can do one thing; they can try to give appropriate conditions for the employees to manufacturing the product and they have to focus continuously on the product quality and sales strategy. That’s it. They can do their karma only, which is the only thing in their hands, not output.

So by increasing continuously your efforts, you can increase the probability of achieving the result i.e. the resultant will shift towards your applied force/effort.

So what should we do? Actually, we can apply our 100% potential/force by our capability in the work. Now, If we do this two things will happen. First, most likely you will achieve the target, if not, and then at least you will be satisfied by your efforts.

Good Luck.

)

Naveen Tripathi

Written by

Enthusiastic. Thinker. Educator

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade