Effort And Sport

Effort is to be converted into sport. Sport ceases to be enjoyable, if it is for a fruit. Effort is often for a fruit and sport is its own fruit. Any attempt for a specific fruit may make us concerned more with the fruit than with the effort. 

- Prof.K.Subrahmanyam

In the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna thought of the fruit. Therefore, his effort for victory in the battle appeared to be burdensome. He was therefore not a yogi initially. He was more worried of the result of the war than of the war. The moment a person thinks of the fruit, the effort put in for the fruit may become strenuous and may not be performed with enough skill and concentration. Any effort performed without any thought of the fruit will be enjoyable and easy.

A singer sings with ease when there is no thought of reward. A dancer dances with more felicity and comfort when there is no competition. Competitive spirit very often spoils the sportive spirit. In mythology, there was once a competition between the two heavenly dancers: Rambha and Urvasi. The dance was same, steps were same, song was same, the physical features were also similar. While everything was similar, Rambha enjoyed the sport of her dance because she did not think of the fruit. But Urvashi unfortunately thought constantly of the results and was anxious to win the award. Therefore, she was deprived of the happiness, peace and serenity within. She could not win the award as well.