143. When Work becomes Worship

In the context of knowing Him at the time of death, Krishna says, "Therefore, remember Me all times (sarveshu-kaleeshu-anusmra) and fight. With mind and intellect absorbed in Me you shall without doubt come unto Me" (8.7). We 'remember GOD' by worshipping him for some time in a day or by occasionally going to a place of worship or otherwise. Names of GODs and rituals performed might vary with different belief systems. Remembering GOD is usually for removing our difficulties or to attain possessions, power or fame. But here Krishna says "remember ME all the times", which looks impossible as we are not aware of how to pray at all times of the day. The clue to this riddle comes from the foundation of Bhakti Yoga which says 'to see all beings in the Self; Self in all beings; and see HIM everywhere' (6.29 and 6.30). When this existential truth is realised one realises Paramatma everywhere which is nothing but remembering HIM at all times. Whatever we see whether it is beautiful or violent; whatever we hear whether it is praise or criticism, is nothing but the Paramatma. Once this understanding is inculcated, Krishna's advice to go to war can be easily understood. Krishna is for doing the 'work in hand' which happens to be the war in the present context. Surely, it is a tough test for Arjun to see the Paramatma in the present moment of war and we are no different. One practical way to reach this stage is to try to understand the other person's point of view patiently in our professional or personal lives. This will help us realise that we too would have behaved similarly in the given circumstances. This process will help us drop judgements and differences to attain oneness and perform every work like a prayer.