The Bhagwad Gita’s principal message can be very confusing. It exhorts, “Do your duty, but do not concern yourself with the results.”
So we are asked to not desire the end outcome. But how can we pursue goals without that?
In fact, the Buddha also echoed a similar sentiment — he said desire is the source of all suffering. But without a burning desire to achieve a goal, would we not become directionless and demotivated?
These messages seem to contradict common sense logic.
But if we are obsessed exclusively with the end goal, the journey becomes a drudgery. And when we don’t relish the journey, the day our motivation dips, we give up. So clearly, Bhagwad Gita and the Buddha seem to be on to something.
That is all so confusing! How then should one interpret this?
I am no philosopher but here is my own limited experience. Whenever I have pursued any big goal successfully, I have wanted it badly. But I have persevered on the journey long-term (e.g., more than 6 months) when I have also grown to relish the journey.
Our mind is used to playing tricks. When you start on a journey, the goal is very clear – be it building a good habit, losing weight, or even a new year resolution. At that moment, motivation is plentiful.
But when that motivation inevitably fades, what keeps you going is the journey.
In summary, goals get you started. But accepting and relishing the journey is what keeps you going. Going through the journey is what the Bhagwad Gita calls ‘duty.’
This is my interpretation. What do you think?
– Rajan