Work Results

The Gita further explains the theory of "detachment" from the extrinsic rewards of work in saying:
If the result of sincere effort is a success, the entire credit should not be appropriated by the doer
alone.
If the result of sincere effort is a failure, then too the entire blame does not accrue to the doer.
The former attitude mollifies arrogance and conceit while the latter prevents excessive
despondency, de‐motivation and self‐pity. Thus both these dispositions safeguard the doer against
psychological vulnerability, the cause of the modem managers' companions of diabetes, high blood
pressure and ulcers.
Assimilation of the ideas of the Gita leads us to the wider spectrum of "lokasamgraha" (general
welfare) but there is also another dimension to the work ethic ‐ if the "karmayoga" (service) is
blended with "bhaktiyoga" (devotion), then the work itself becomes worship, a "sevayoga" (service
for its own sake.)
Along with bhakti yoga as a means of liberation, the Gita espouses the doctrine of nishkamya karma
or pure action untainted by hankering after the fruits resulting from that action. Modern scientists
have now understood the intuitive wisdom of that action in a new light.
Scientists at the US National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda found that laboratory monkeys
that started out as procrastinators became efficient workers after they received brain injections that
suppressed a gene linked to their ability to anticipate a reward. The scientists reported that the work
ethic of rhesus macaques wasn't all that different from that of many people: "If the reward is not
immediate, you procrastinate", Dr Richmond told LA Times.
(This may sound a peculiarly religious idea but it has a wider application. It could be taken to mean
doing something because it is worthwhile, to serve others, to make the world a better place – Ed.)

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