There is a gnana component in Karma yoga, explained Valayapet Ramachariar, in a discourse. When a person performs his duties, without attachment to the results, then it is because of his gnana. Janaka was a king, and was respected as a great karma yogi. One does not have to be a sanyasi to develop detachment towards the fruits of one’s actions. In fact, one should not resort to renunciation, because of petty quarrels or because one is dejected with life.
A person must become a sanyasi only if he is convinced that he wants to renounce life, for the sake of spiritual pursuits. After having talked to Arjuna about karma yoga, Lord Krishna points that there is nothing new in His advice to Arjuna, for He has given the same advice to Surya, the Sun God. Surya in turn instructed Manu and Manu conveyed the same advice to Ikshvaku. All the rajarishis knew of the Lord’s advice, says Krishna.
There is a reason why Krishna talks of rajarishis, and not of Brahmarishis. When they felt it was time for them to retire, kings would anoint their successors, and only then would they step down, and retire to the forest. There they would do penance and also impart knowledge to others. Kings were always concerned about the welfare of their subjects.
When Rama goes to the forest, sages tell Him that it is His duty to save them, because they live in an area, which is ruled by Him. Protecting others is a king’s duty. That is why Krishna uses the suffix ‘raja’ before rishis, to drive home the point that Arjuna, who belongs to a royal family, must do his duty and fight when the need arises. Krishna’s reference to the fact that He has given the same advice in the past, is to show that the Gita is advice for all time. It was not just said to give a boost to Arjuna’s spirits. It is not limited to the context of any specific war or the reluctance of any particular warrior to fight. It is advice for everyone.
