IV: 17

Chapter 4, Verse 17

"You need to understand what action is
As well as what wrong action and inaction are.
The true nature of action is profound
And difficult to fathom."

Paramahansa Yogananda:

"True inaction occurs when the Self-realized have freed themselves from all Karma-producing actions, both bad and good. They have reached the state of inaction, which is the complete freedom from the necessity to act and the desire to act. The wise ones bubble with ceaseless inner merriment, whether sitting still or busy in the world. All the great masters are intensely busy with actions that are spiritually helpful to humanity, even though the masters themselves have reached the state of inaction. Krishna, in his oneness with spirit, is saying in so many words, 'Even though I have attained all things, still, I continue to work, without desire.'

Jesus, too, worked mightily in the world, preaching to the thousands, healing thousands of their physical, mental, and spiritual suffering, and laying the groundwork for the worldwide spread of his divine message. He did not seek the seclusion of a cave, nor stop his liberating work, even though he knew that by retirement from public life, he could escape the horrific drama of his execution. Jesus worked on, with little praise. Thus he could say, just before his crucifixion, 'Father, I have glorified Thee on Earth. I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do.' " (John 17: 44)

[Falling snow
Quiet work
Spinning frisbee
Centered Stillness]