Ashtavakra Gita 18.64 -

Activity is a corollary of life. Existence of the body implies regular use of limbs, meaning consistent activity, in the absence of which the body cannot even survive. Krishna makes it clear in Gita dialogue: “From inaction, even the preservation of the body will not be possible” (3.8 ). Our food is to nourish the body and enable it to be active. It is a cycle. Any violation in this will interfere with Nature, leading to grave deleterious consequences.

So, the only course for anyone is to heed the laws of nature and be active. If thus we have no option in the matter of active involvement, why should it cause any stain at all? Evidently, one is either not clear about the need for activity or he fosters undue ambition or motivation in the matter.

Think of the world as a whole. Numerous creatures, mobile and immobile, live like us. All of them do their respective activities. In what is human different? We have a high intelligence and will. These should verily help us to live meaningfully.

So the defect is in our thinking. Spirituality tries to rectify this. It is not denial of activity, but the desire-free pursuit of it that one should ensure for his own and the world’s welfare. Foster no desire in anything you do. All actions are within the orbit of nature. They are for nature’s own fulfilment. Honour nature and her intent. Spiritual wisdom is to make us live and act without stain, but with full effectiveness, harmony and fulfilment.