Action, motive and the soul: the method of interpretation

Let us inquire into the laws of action with reference to the soul, and understand the nature of motive in action. The cause of action is the desire to obtain some satisfaction; and, as this desire serves the purpose of the soul, the soul is concerned in each action; for the result belongs to the soul, and without it there can be no action. But this applies to animate and not inanimate objects, which serve the purpose of living creatures and impel them to action; for it is a self-evident truth that the soul cannot engage in action by itself. It is necessary to understand the nature of purpose in action. A person who is in a state of uncertainty or divided opinion, cannot act; and so there must be a definite purpose before he can act.

The problem of Action: the method of interpretation

The task of the "master" or the soul is to acquire something. The impressions of previous actions impel the soul to act; and the other faculties engage in action because of the soul. The urge to action depends on the nature of the soul; and, as all souls are not equal, their actions are different; Tapas or meditation too is a cause of this difference; but all other faculties depend for their action on the soul. Desire too is associated with the soul. The Mantras also refer to the soul; and we should understand them in their proper light.

The method of interpretation: Nature, Sacrifice and the Soul

Certain names, which appear to be unconnected with the rest of the text, refer to nature; but we should be careful in arriving at this conclusion. Nature is associated with the soul, without which we cannot understand the idea of action. Certain terms used in connection with the performance of a sacrifice, refer to nature; others refer to the function of the mind, and so on. The result of a sacrifice accrues to the sacrificer, and so he should engage in it himself, - at least so far as its principal part is concerned; and he may employ others to do the rest. All this is described in the sacred books under different names.

Self-interest and natural desire: how to understand the Vedas

Self-interest is inherent in man. It cannot be seen; it can only be understood. Self-interest has two forms, which may be described as natural motive and deliberate motive; and the conflict between them may be seen in the discussion that goes on within us. But the discussion has its purpose too; and it can modify natural motive as well as desire. Natural motive precedes discussion; and it is not only an intelligent, but also a good, desire that can be associated with the idea of sacrifice. There is a common law of life applicable to all animals, because there is no essential difference between them at any time; and their similarity of behaviour is due not to similarity of motive, but of nature.

Charity, desire and satisfaction

Acts of charity or dana are good deeds. It is only when something is left over or saved that it can be given away as charity or gift, and it is an act of sacrifice. A whole means the whole of what exists at a particular time, and it is divisible into parts. The same is true of all kinds of actions. Actions are different from one another; and in order to understand them, we should divide them into parts. There are some who believe that action gives satisfaction to the soul and not the mind; but we should examine this opinion carefully before accepting it.

The law of life in the Vedas: purpose in action and actionlessness

This is the law of the life of man, described in the Vedas in a veiled manner, and we can understand it if we pierce through the disguise of words. But it requires deep concentration to do so; and it is in this manner that we can understand the meaning of certain words. There is purpose in both action and actionlessness, and their idea is expressed in the text in this manner. This enables us to understand that there is a perfect law of life described in the Vedas; but it requires experience, intelligence, self-surrender, and a measure of good luck to succeed.

The law of action

The claim of Desire to its fulfillment is based on reason. Desire is associated with both knowledge and action. There are primary and secondary causes of Desire, which can be understood by the means of knowledge. Action consists of a number of parts, each of which is associated with desire; but, as these parts progress without a break, it appears to be one. Action is of many kinds, and all deliberate action is characterized by purpose; and in its final form it is associated with some object of nature or Prakrti. All deliberate action is characterized by reason, and is an expression of the creative power of Nature itself.

The language of the Vedas and how to understand it

The language of the mantras of the Vedas does not appear to be in harmony with the object described; but every word is not like that. It is only when the original meaning does not refer to the law of life that we should reject it; and we shall find that the language of the Vedas, when properly understood, does refer to the law of life. If that be so, how do we get the common meaning bearing on the idea of sacrifice? On the other hand, if this be the real meaning of the text, and we are also able to get another meaning, should not the latter too refer to the idea of sacrifice, for both of them are obtained from the same undivided text? This is a reference to the Krama method of reading the text, which enables us to transform a mantra or a hymn of praise into Vidhi or the law of life.

The law of action: how described in the Vedas

There can be no action without a purpose or cause; and its result is for the sake of purusha or the soul. There can only be one action at a time; and actions may be divided into main and subsidiary ones. We have to express all this in language; and it can be done in various ways.

The law of action, need of knowledge, action and time

So long as there is life, there must be action. We can understand this if we fix the meaning of words according to the Krama or method of reciting the text. The sacred books also tell us that action must cease; and we must understand what this really means. There are a variety of actions, but there can be only one action at a time. Action does not consist in a name; the law of one action at a time applies to all kinds of action; but it is the best action that can be performed at the time. It is necessary to have knowledge to understand the law of Dharma; and we can understand it if we interpret the text correctly. In certain cases, however, it is easy to understand the whole idea.