Hari OM
'Text-days' are for delving into the
words and theory of Advaita Vedanta.
On Wings and Wheels is the publication we are delving into currently. It
takes the form of a series of Q&As from devotees to HH Pujya Gurudev Swami
Chinmayananda. There are many sections and subsections to this book - not all
will be given, but it is hoped that the general thought-flow will not be broken
for those omissions. To obtain the full picture and essence of the discussions,
do consider attempting to purchase the text from the link above; it is
currently only available from India.
MOTIVATION (and karma phala data - the dispensing of the fruits of
actions)
Q - Don't motives count in the ethical worth of an action, swami-ji?
A - Yes! For example, a surgeon uses a knife in the operation
theater to save a patient's life and, even should the patient die, it cannot be
called a sin; whereas the act of killing somebody with that same knife for
personal gain is decidedly sinful. The merit depends upon the motive of the
act.
Q - If an action is to be judged good or bad by its motive, which of
the several complex motives involved in any one action are to be taken as the
main standard of judgement?
A - There can only be one motive; its branches will be the other
motives, but they remain branches… there can be only one motive.
Q - but when I give to charity I can have several motives in giving…
A - having motive is not then charity!
Q - no?
A - giving money or signing a cheque is not charity.
Q - Let's say the act of giving money may have several motives…
A - Yes, according to the motive, it will may be charity or
something else.
Q - I may feel kindness toward another and give money, but at the
same time I know that people are watching me and at the back of my mind I feel
I will get some applause. On the other hand, I may be getting some income-tax
relief, or maybe I want to balance out some guilt from an earlier error… so
there are several motives involved in giving away the money.
A - Then it will be the cumulative or the average of all motives
that will decide the result of it. So many factors go into the determination of
the final result of an action. Thus, when you do an action and surrender to the
Higher, the judgement of the moral worth is also surrendered and the results
will come back to you as you meet life.
Q - Should the totality of motives be accounted for?
A - the totality must play into it, but then for your practical
purposes you should only think in terms of 'how far am I?' By giving this is
one trying to gain joy and a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction, or is it
going to disturb? Suppose the main motive was only the applause which might be
gained, then ultimately the action will only leave you with a sense of
disappointment. It is then not a morally good one. It is not charity. You with
that amount are showing off and this way are trying to purchase something to
further your vanity.
Q - That means the result of action is directly related to the
totality of motive…
A - Yes, naturally. That is why every action, even in secular law,
is calculated by means of the motive behind it
Q - an action may be prompted by dual or complex motives, some may
be lofty others of base quality; like money given to relieve suffering but also
to receive recognition. If the action is to be judged by this totality of
motives, then no action is absolutely good or absolutely bad, it will be more a
matter or predominance of one or the other, is it not?
A - Yes that is true. Really speaking, an action itself is neither
good nor bad, whether absolute or relative. Action itself is of the relative
world, not the Absolute… it is a relative manifestation of Reality, a delusion…
The conversation will continue, looking
at means… note that Gurudev stated there can be only a one motive which
initiates an action, and although the discussion seems to have now turned to
the plurality behind motive, it is to be noted that at any given point of an
action being undertaken, at that point a single motive alone is the catalyst,
no matter how that motive is built. The discussion is looking at what builds up
to the motive and demonstrates that we are adept at sidestepping our true
reasons for action and that none are completely pure in their intention… it is
all a matter of degrees.
