Gandhi came to believe that the Gita's "cardinal teaching" was that human beings must resolve to do the right thing without thinking about or considering its fruits or rewards.
"He who broods over results," Gandhi would later write, "is ever distracted, he says goodbye to all scruples, everything is right in his estimation and he therefore resorts to means fair and foul to attain his end."
In Gandhi's mind, detaching ourselves from results was an act of renunciation as spiritually powerful as any form of self-denial, the moral equivalent of renouncing worldly possessions or sexual desire. It brought holiness to man and peace to his soul.
"Man is not at peace with himself til he has become like unto God" in renouncing worldly reward for his actions.
Excellent history. Got to pg. 337 of 609. Wish I could take it w/ me. The library would not be happy. I'll have to wait until I settle near a new library.
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