There are three types of activities; they have been called Karma, Vikarma and Akarma. Karma is like a steady flame. When the flame moves about and flickers, it is Vikarma. The pure light, the effulgence of the Atmajyoti, is Akarma. Akarma produces no fruits. The word Akarma means no karma, but this does not refer to a condition in which no actions are performed. When you perform your actions treating all people alike, when you do not expect any fruits to accrue to you from your actions, and when you offer everything you do to God, then you are engaged in Akarma. (DBG, p. 225)
He is in you, and it is God, that has prompted you to project Him into the outer world, as this idol or that image, to listen to your outpouring and give you peace. Without the inspiration, solace and joy that He confers from within, you will be raving mad, as one who has lost his moorings and is tossed about, rudderless on a stormy sea. Hold on to Him in the heart; hear Him whisper in the silent words of counsel and consolation. Hold converse with Him, guide your footsteps as He directs, and you reach the goal, safe and soon. The picture before which you sit, the flowers which you place on it, the hymns you recite, the vows you impose on yourself, the vigils you go through-these are the activities that cleanse, that remove obstacles in the way of your getting aware of the God within. (MBI, p. 16)
Activities (Karma) are of three kinds: Karma, Akarma and Vikarma. (Action, Inaction and Un-action). Of these un-action is the most subtle of activities for it is neither sloth nor action motivated by desire. It is simple awareness, deepest experience. It is neither Tamasika nor Rajasika. Action is Rajasika urged on by selfish motives. Inaction is Tamasika. But un-action is Sattvika. Based on these three types of ‘activity’, the nature of humans can also be distinguished as characteristic of three types.
The beast man type: Those who do not pay attention to anything other than their own selfish ends, belong to the beast-man level. They have no trace of devotion and dedication. They do not share in helping others. They have no concern with the sorrows and sufferings of the others. They do not take them to heart. They do not worry over the children they have borne or the life partner they are wedded to. The man-men, however, involve themselves in the welfare of their wives and children and the small circle of their kith and kin. They spend their lives in this restricted sphere. Of course, the nature of these people is not laudable; but, there is at least the possibility of the little spark of love becoming brilliant and expansive through contacts with society, of impact or saints, or participation in some projects of selfless service. Man - men can raise themselves up into God-men.
The God-men are described in the Bhagavad Gita as ‘Satatam yoginah’ - ‘Always associated with God. They are never apart from God.’ They experience God in and through all things at all times. Whatever they see or do, they believe it is in God and for God. (SSS Vol.11, p. 117)
Activity must be dedicated to God, the Highest Good. Move about and fill the day with activity, so that food is well digested. Develop biting hunger, before sitting down for a meal. (SSS Vol.7, p. 103)
Acts once done cannot be undone; they inevitably ring their own consequences; they have to be undertaken in fear and with care. For, acts mould character, transform destinies and mar the fortunes of one - self and others.
Activity generates generations
Activity hastens decay and death
Activity is the Path of Worship
Activity lays a trail of Disaster.
God distributes to each the consequences of his acts, impartially and inevitably. Man cannot avoid accepting them. In the Gita Krishna declared that one should not get attached to the fruits of action; He did not declare that action can be barren, or free from fruits. Whatever happens is the ‘fruit’. It may be pleasant or painful. It happens as a result of a Divine Law, the will of God. One may merely accept it and admit that it is the grace of God that gave it to you. (BPV, 1981, p. 197)
One cannot exist without activity; so, one must of necessity act through ‘good’ qualities. (DhyV, p. 21)
Activity is the keynote of the universe; by activity, all beings are born, they maintain themselves by activity and then, they perish. Constant breathing, inhaling and exhaling keeps the body temperature even and comfortable. It is in order to activate everything that the One that is beyond all activity created sky, earth, fire and water. To be active, yet, being always aware that it is all mere acting is the secret of happiness. That is the code of righteousness which must regulate and sanctify every action of yours. (UD, pp. CV III - 2)
‘My activities are not for publicity or propaganda or even to confer joy on others; they are for conferring joy primarily on Me! I have no need to please others and to earn approval or appreciation. For, you and I are not distinct entities; you are I, and I am you. I am the current that flows into every bulb and illumines it. Those who see Me as separate are seeing falsehood. I am in your hearts; you are in Mine. Don’t be misled into doubt and distress. Dogs may bark and jackals howl; but Truth moves majestically forward.’ (Uniq, p. 38)