By Gurudevi Nirmalananda 

This is not only good advice, it’s a famous advertising slogan — Just Do It. It captured the zeitgeist of the time, a great sense of possibilities. It’s a perfect slogan for a tantric yogi, one who brings their spirituality into the world.

The Bhagavadgita defined this yogic approach to the world. Krishna says you must contribute to the world’s process. Give it your best. Make a difference.

Buddhi-yukto jahaatiiha ubhe suk.rita-du.sk.rite,

tasmaad yogaaya yujyasva yoga.h karmasu kau”salam.

— Bhagavadgita 2.50

Established in clarity, shed selfish motivations that create

pleasurable and painful karmas.

Devote yourself to yoga. Skillful action is yoga.

Yogis of yore withdrew from mainstream society to live in nearby forests. Similarly, in Egypt the desert hermits lived in remote caves. Hearing of these spiritual extremists, you might think that you should leave the world, to try to get enlightened by yourself. However, those living in the Indian forests and Egyptian deserts were not solo seekers. They lived together in small groups under the guidance of experienced teachers. They were not into DIY spirituality. 

Krishna’s teaching was a radical revamp of the tradition. He said, “Get out there and make a difference in the world.” Why such a change? It was because the world had changed. He lived on the cusp of Kali Yuga, our modern age, predicted to be a time of increasing darkness. Krishna said the world needs the yogis. You must bring your light into the world. Get up and get going. Just do it.

His teaching was revolutionary in another way. While you choose to act in the world, doing your absolute best, a yogi’s motivation is different than that of worldly-minded people. You’re not doing things so you can get a karmic payoff. While people will work hard to get a promotion, their improved status and salary are karmic payoff for their efforts. Doing something nice for others, so they appreciate you, means you’re looking for the karmic payoff. Krishna says, “See what needs to be done and do it. No payoff needed.”

Proactive. Professional. Proficient. And not looking for the results to make you feel good about yourself. Instead you analyze the results of your efforts as a way to…