When to Do Our Duty: How not to slip into Adharma

There are many stories in the Vedas, in the Upanishads and in the Puranas from which we learn that human beings have to do their duty. This concept of duty is a very strong one. We are told that while carrying out our duty, we should not have emotions like anger, hatred, worry or unhappiness within us.

- Dr. Hansaji J. Yogendra

We should be fully aware of what state of mind we are in, while doing our work. If we have anger, tension, etc. within us, then it would be wrong to work like that.

There is a very powerful story of two kings engaged in war. Ultimately, their armies were totally vanquished and both kings were left facing each other. After fighting furiously for many hours, one king defeated the other who fell to the ground. Just as the victorious king was about to kill his opponent, the king lying on the ground spat vehemently on him, showing his hatred. The first king was taken aback; he stopped for a few seconds, threw his sword down, and walked away without killing his adversary.