Krishna said the subject of Action and Reaction is mysterious even for those who understand that there is a difference between proper action and improper action, and still again between action and inaction. (Text 17) Why is the subject so difficult to comprehend?
It takes a great depth of perception to truly understand Action and Reaction because what appears on the surface to be action can actually be inaction. Conversely, what appears to be inaction may in fact be action. To make the matter more complex, we will learn in upcoming verses that one can achieve the goal of inaction only through action.
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Karma: |
Akarmani karma - Action in inaction
One who renounces work out of frustration or sheer irresponsibility is an example of someone who is only apparently inactive. Since his renunciation is still selfish, it is not freed from reaction. In fact, one must always perform some action, however small. Be it eating or sleeping or breathing, perfect abstinence from work is impossible, and therefore is not able to perfectly liberate one from reaction.
Karmani akarma - Inaction in action
One whose actions are selfless and dutiful, without desire for personal aggrandizement, incurs no reaction from his work, although he engages in apparently ordinary activities.