Gita Best Teachings: Shri Krishna on Karma

Karma - our actions - will manifest in front of us at some point in our lives. We can't escape this encounter. We get punished or get rewarded, it all depends on our past Karma. Shri Krishna in Gita tells us to take responsibility for our actions today as the future will hold us accountable.

During the Mahabharata battle, Shri Krishna advises and helps all understand their responsibility and duties, but he never orders them to act in a particular way. Shri Krishna says, "my role is to show you the path and direction, but the final decision rests with you". We take our own decision and owe complete responsibility for our actions.

In the battleground, when Arjuna refuses to fight against his elders and family members, Shri Krishna only reminds him of his duties and responsibilities at that point in the war. It is Arjuna who finally realises the necessity to fight the Mahabharata and face his opponents. Again, the final decision rests with Arjuna.

Krishna tries to stop the war by offering many solutions. But Duryodhana agrees to none and decides to settle the issue on the battlefield. Again the final decision was taken by Duryodhana, though Sri Krishan showed him the right path. Duryodhana's Karma finally culminated in his defeat and death.

Sri Krishna keeps giving one message loud and clear: You can't avoid the fruits of your acton.