Harmonizing Actions & Thoughts: Key to Success & Mindfulness

In December 2023, the city of Chennai, located on the southeastern coast of India, experienced a catastrophic flood that wreaked havoc on its residents and infrastructure. The flood was primarily triggered by the powerful Cyclone Michaung, which struck the region with relentless force. The combination of heavy rainfall and the cyclone's impact led to widespread flooding, causing immense damage and loss of life in Chennai and its surrounding areas. This natural disaster served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of coastal cities and the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management strategies.

Causes and Impact

Cyclone Michaung, a life-altering natural disaster, originated in the Bay of Bengal and rapidly intensified as it neared the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, where Chennai, a bustling city, is located. This devastating cyclone unleashed torrential rains, powerful winds, and destructive storm surges, resulting in widespread flooding that profoundly impacted the lives of its residents. The catastrophe inflicted severe damage on Chennai's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings, disrupting the daily lives of countless individuals. Tragically, the floodwaters claimed numerous lives and caused substantial economic losses for the affected communities, forever altering the course of life in Chennai.

Response and Relief Efforts

In the wake of the calamitous flood, numerous actions were taken by the government and various humanitarian organizations to address the impact on the affected population's life. Rapid mobilization ensured that rescue teams' focus was on evacuating stranded individuals and provided essential medical assistance. Temporary shelters were established to cater to the displaced residents, and the focus was on guaranteeing their basic needs were met. Furthermore, concerted efforts were made to restore vital services like electricity and clean water supply in the affected areas. The local community's leadership was also evident as they extended their helping hand, offering food, clothing, and other essential supplies to those affected by the disaster.

Reflections and Future Actions

The Chennai flood of 2023 was a turning point in the city's history, prompting actions to improve disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies. It shed light on the significance of investing in resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather events and reducing their impact on life and property. In addition, it revealed the importance of responsible urban planning, preventing encroachments on water bodies, and ensuring effective drainage systems. The calamity also highlighted the need for early warning systems and public awareness campaigns to educate residents about impending risks and the responsibility to make informed decisions. By embracing these measures, Chennai can focus on shaping its destiny, minimizing the potential damage caused by future natural disasters.

This sloka, filled with action quotes, may seem confusing at first glance. Lord Krishna has often emphasized the importance of renunciation in Bhagavad Gita, so why would he seemingly contradict his own statements about 'renunciation' (sanyasanad) and actions alone cannot guarantee perfection’. This must be understood with different perspectives.

Lord Krishna doesn't advocate the philosophy that renunciation is the best path for everyone to achieve spiritual excellence. If everyone chose to renounce, how would the world function? We need the contribution and responsible actions of many to make humanity a better place to live. This requires people to take up their assigned duties and perform them with commitment. Renunciation without purification of the thoughts is actually a disturbance to the social order.

This sloka provides clarity from Lord Krishna on the difference between disinterest and detachment. Lord Krishna encourages detachment, particularly from greed, lust, anger, and sense gratification, but not from responsibilities or actions. He promotes control over these emotions, not disinterest. Sometimes, people avoid essential actions under the guise of contentment and renunciation. This is disinterest, possibly even neglect of duty, not detachment. Those who are detached, sanyasins, also need to shoulder responsibilities, responsibilities to the society.

Lord Krishna advocated avoiding sense gratification in multiple slokas. That does not mean, a sanyasin will go hungry or a sanyasin cannot prepare food for himself / herself. Sense gratification is getting attached or addicted to taste and not staying away from food completely.

Were one to renounce actions like a yogin without first performing his ordained duties, such a renouncer of actions cannot attain “actions-free status,”

Therefore, O Arjuna, remember that one seeking 'actions-free status' should not abandon their prescribed duties and actions. One cannot escape from actions simply by abandoning them.

Avoiding actions is not detachment. Detachment can only be achieved when thoughts are purified. Purity of the mind and control over one's thoughts, including good thoughts and positive thoughts are very important. In other words, outward manifestations of one's convictions are good, but unless the mind and body are in complete sync, it's a job half done.

Salvation can only be achieved when our actions and thoughts, whether they are good thoughts or positive thoughts are in perfect harmony. Our words, deeds, actions, appearance, and philosophy of life should all be part of the same narrative.

Attaining freedom isn't merely about desisting actions, but it's also about controlling your thoughts on those actions. This is what Lord Krishna refers to as naiskarmyam, emphasizing the importance of good thoughts. It's about fostering positive thoughts rather than merely focusing on your actions - freedom from the burdens of actions/reactions.

1. Renunciation is not achieved at the cost of abandoning one’s ordained responsibilities.
2. Purify and enhance your thoughts before stopping actions from thoughts.