Focus on Karma, Not Results: Life-Changing Wisdom from a Monk

 Monk:

Have you ever found yourself chasing after results, hoping that your efforts will bring you happiness, only to feel restless when the outcome doesn’t meet your expectations? If so, you're not alone. 

Today, I want to share with you a timeless lesson from the Bhagavad-Gita that changed my life—and it might just change yours too.

Monk:

In the Bhagavad-Gita, Lord Krishna says, 'Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana'—you have a right to perform your duties, but not to the fruits of your actions. This simple yet profound teaching holds the secret to lasting peace and purpose.

Monk:

We live in a world obsessed with results—grades, promotions, likes, and followers. But this obsession creates a trap. When we attach ourselves to outcomes, we invite anxiety, disappointment, and burnout into our lives. 

Instead, Krishna reminds us to focus on our karma—our actions, our intentions, and our dedication to the present moment.

Monk:

Let me share a story. Years ago, before I became a monk, I worked tirelessly on a project that I believed would change everything. I poured my heart and soul into it. But when the results came, they were not what I hoped for. I felt like a failure. My mind kept asking, 'Why did I even try?

It was during that time I stumbled upon Krishna's wisdom. Slowly, I shifted my focus from seeking external validation to finding joy in the work itself. And do you know what happened? I discovered an inner peace that no result could ever give me.

Monk:

When we focus on our efforts, we learn to work with love and detachment. This doesn’t mean we stop caring—it means we stop worrying about what we cannot control. Think of a gardener planting seeds. 

The gardener cannot force the flowers to bloom, but they can tend to the soil, water the plants, and give them sunlight. The results come in their own time, and whether or not they do, the act of nurturing is fulfilling.

Monk:

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by asking yourself, 'What can I do in this moment to give my best?' Shift your attention from the 'What ifs' to the 'What now?' Whether it’s your studies, work, relationships, or personal growth—give it your full effort with a pure heart. And then let go. Trust the process.

Monk:

True contentment comes when we align our actions with our values, not when we chase after rewards. When you let go of the outcome, you’re no longer at the mercy of success or failure. You’re free to simply be, and that is the greatest freedom of all.

Monk:

Remember, my friends, the journey itself is the destination. Focus on your karma, and the rest will follow.