Dear Members,

Perform your prescribed duty, for action is better than inaction. A man cannot even maintain his physical body without work. - Bhagavad Gita 3:8

While being self-explanatory, the shloka makes it crystal clear that actual, physical work performed in an attitude of duty is needed for one’s internal purification. Even the basic bodily activities like eating, bathing, and maintaining proper health require work. These obligatory actions are called nitya karm. To neglect these basic maintenance activities is not a sign of progress, but an indication of slothfulness, leading to emaciation and weakness of both body and mind. On the other hand, a cared for and nourished body is a positive adjunct on the road to spirituality.