What We Do Reflects on What We Do, Harinam Prabhu (Gita Daily)

Based on Bhagavad Gita Chapter 02, Text 03

“What we do” can refer to our specific behavior as well as to our general vocation. What we do in our specific behavior reflects on what we do in our general vocation. For example, if a doctor exploits a patient, that individual behavior reflects adversely on the whole medical profession.

This principle that our behavior reflects on our vocation is a consistent theme of the Gita. But as its message evolves, the Gita deepens our understanding of our actual vocation and also refines our reasons for harmonizing our behavior with that vocation.

At its start, the Gita recognizes that most of us conceive of our vocation materially, as determined by our social position, and that we behave in ways that enhance, or at least preserve, our public image. Accordingly, it (2.3) urges its original student, the heroic warrior Arjuna, to avoid unbecoming cowardly behavior (naitat tvayy upapadyate).

At its summit, the Gita helps us recognize that we are all souls, who are by our spiritual nature devotees of Krishna. It also inspires us to behave in devotionally respectable ways by helping us understand that such behavior simultaneously enhances our own spiritual happiness internally and honors the dignity of all that we represent externally.