Chapter 7Work and Yoga · Equanimity in Work

Helpless acceptance [of difficulties] is no part of the Yoga of works — what is necessary is a calm equanimity in the face both of helpful and adverse, fortunate or unfortunate happenings, good or evil fortune, success or failure of effort. One must learn to bear without flinching and disturbance, without rajasic joy or grief, doing all that is necessary, but not dejected if difficulties or failure come — one still goes on doing what can be done, not sinking under the burden of life.

* To keep this equanimity and absence of reactions and from that for egoistic aims but for the work to be done) is the position of the Yogi.

* This is the right inner attitude, of equality — to remain unmoved whatever may outwardly happen. But what is needed for success in the outward field (if you do not use human means, diplomacy or tactics) is the power to transmit calmly a Force that can change men’s attitude and the circumstances and make any outward action taken at once the right thing to do and effective.

* You have to make yourself an instrument of the invisible Force — to be able in a way to direct it to the required point and for the required purpose. But for that samata must be entire — for a use of the Force, if accompanied by ego-reactions, may raise a corresponding ego-resistance and a struggle.

* The increase of samata is only a first condition [for attacks by adverse forces to become impossible in one’s work]. It is when on the basis of samata an understanding Force can be used to make their attacks nugatory that the attacks will become impossible.