MANTHAN (मंथन)

This is again a very interesting paradox. We find people using these terms interchangeably sometimes. But they have some very distinct differences.

Daaji says – duties accompany the roles that we take on, while responsibilities align with our aspirations. Thus, a duty pertains to others, and hence, is perceived as an external obligation. But a responsibility pertains to the self, and is linked to an inner calling.

So the paradox arises from the conflict – Does true fulfillment come from adhering to externally imposed duties or from following a deeply personal responsibility to our inner call.

He elaborates by giving an example of Gautam Buddha who was born as a prince and thus had a duty to become the King and serve the people of his kingdom. But his inner call was to become a saint. So, the major difference Daaji observes is that duty is assigned based on who we are or will become, whereas responsibility is something we choose to undertake of our own will.

In Sanskrit, the word for duty is Dharma (धर्म), it comes from the root धृ धारणे (to wear, to support,to possess, to hold)- धारयति इति धर्मः ।  In Bhagavd Gita, Lord Krishna inspires Arjun to carry out his duty to fight the battle. And also to perform the duty in the correct spirit, with no attachment to the result. External factors play a very large role in both success or failure of any endeavor. Hence, if we become attached to the results before they come to pass, we weaken our focus. If we are attached to the results after they are in, we might either gloat in success or feel depressed in failure. So, it is wise not to be attached to the results.

If we consider our duties to be as significant as personal callings, then it becomes very easy to to embrace them and perform with the best of our abilities. If we fulfill our duties with love, then carrying out the responsibilities entailed in our duties  can seem almost effortless. This approach is the key to inner harmony, peace of mind and happiness.