Outcomes of action

Determining outcome  The Bhagwad Geeta says “Thou hast power only to act not over the result thereof. Act thou therefore without prospect of the result and without succcumbing to inaction " What the divine scripture alludes to is  being dispassionate about the outcome and not assigning  a  personal  pleasure  pain  verdict. A pleasure pain based assessment of the outcome  bears the  seed  of  despondency , dejection  along with  euphoria  and  elation. One has to however keep an eye on the outcome of ones efforts. A circumspect impersonal appraisal of the outcome is critical in determining the future course of action.  An  accurate  impersonal  reality  check  of  the outcome of ones efforts  lends a vector attribute to direct  subsequent efforts. A vector approach is one  which is    well  directed   calculated and  targeted  , a sincere  genuine effort sanctified by direction. Adequate concern  and analysis about the outcome of ones effort  "vectorises" future endeavours. Often times, when the task to be achieved is monumental, and  distant,  reaffirmation of  the  trajectory  remains  the  only solace and succour  to cope with the trials and tribulations  of  the arduous journey. This essence is captured very well in the  story of two monks in steadfast  penance ,meditating under a peepul tree. The Lord is appeased and asks both of them what they are seeking. The first one asks the Lord " How  many more births to go take before I attain salvation ?" The Lord replies " Six more births" The reply saddens the monk and crestfallen, he continues his penance with a heavy heart. The second monk asks the same question to the Lord to which the Lord replies- " You will have to be reborn as many times as the number of leaves this peepul tree has" On hearing this the monk  is elated, overjoyed and thanking the Lord  restarts his penance in all earnest. The first monk  is  puzzled and asks  him the reason for his celebration despite  knowing that he has  so many more births  to  reach salvation.   The monk replied " I celebrated because I  was assured that I am on the right path. How long it will take is no concern  of mine. When I am sure of the direction and the road I am walking on,  there is no doubt about reaching the destination  and  i can focus on enjoying  the   journey ." Every endeavour  has a scalar  element  of  physical  hard work , sincerity,  commitment and  dedication .  This  tangible element is  largely   common  in most  instances  of genuine  effort.  The  vector dimension  is  about  working smart  in addition to working hard  and  is  what decisively  impacts the outcome. The sacred scripture alludes to the realisation of not being in any position to  encertain the outcome of ones  endeavours to remain undeterred  in the event of  momentary setbacks.  Statistically it stands to reason that all cannot succeed. Success and failure  typically complement one another, as do all other positives and negatives. Ability to control the outcome would make the art of trying very unromantic. It's  the possibility of failing that lends sweetness to success.  A Guarantee of the outcome makes the journey  merely a function of time and  would obfuscate any dexterity  and  resilience of navigation. The perspiration inspiration combination vitally needs navigation to complete the triad  that  heightens the chances to succeed. Enjoying the journey  and not worrying about the destination is all fine and romantic  but  such indulgences cannot be afforded at the cost of ignoring the trajectory. After all, the journey however one enjoys it has to end and it would be all the more enjoyable with " all is well that ends well" Dr Deepak Ranade