The Place ofPeace. 65
by worry and by anxiety. When Its results
appear, we note them for instruction, but we
neitherrejoicenormournoverthem. Remorse
orjubilationtakesawayourattentionfrom,and
weakens usin,the performanceof ourpresent
duty,andthereisnotimeforeither. Suppose
the results are evil, the wise man says: "I
made a mistake, and must avoid a similar
blunderinfuture; butremorsewillonlyweaken
my present usefulness and will not lessen the
results of my mistaken action. So instead of
wastingtime in remorse, I willset to work to
dobetter." Thevalueof thusseparatingone-
self from results lies in the calmnessof mind
thusobtained andtheconcentration brought to
bear on each action. "Whoever in acting
dedicateshisactionstothe SupremeSpirit[the
One Self]and puts asideall selfish interest in
their result, is untouched by sm, even as the
leaf of the lotus is unaffected by the waters.
Thetruly devoted, for the purification of the
heart, perform actions with their bodies, their
minds, their understanding, and their senses,
puttingawayallself-interest. Themanwhois
devoted and not attached to the fruit of his
actions obtains tranquillity; whilst he who
through desirehas attachment for the fruitof
actionisbounddownthereby.
