244. Can you please give me some detailed practical hints to get non-attachment in mind in our every action?

Think that you are an instrument (Nimitta) in the hands of God when you work. Egoism and respectability will vanish. Don't expect fruits for your actions (Nishkamya). How can you expect fruits when another, viz., God, is working through you? Further, when you are aware that the world is full of miseries, what is the use of coming back again into the world ? You are a toy in the hands of God. He holds the string. He is the Sutradhar. Do all actions from a sense of duty. Reduce your wants. Lead a very simple life. Hate luxury. Control the Indriyas. Look at everyone and everything in the world as the manifestation of Narayana. Think that this world is illusory and a long dream. How can there be attachment now in the mind, my dear Ramachandra? If you do actions in this way, you will become a practical Yogi. I assure you. Cheer your spirit. Gird up the loins and engage yourself boldly in the daily battle of life.

245. Why should God drive me to do a bad action?

God never drives you to do any bad action. He is always the Sakshi or witness. Your own nature, your own evil Samskaras, force you to do actions. "Svabhavastu Pravartate" says the Gita (Ch. V-14). You lack in Viveka or discrimination. That is the reason why you become a slave of passion. God has given you Buddhi to check passion. Why don't you use it then?

246. I never intend to do any evil action. Is it my responsibility when I do it? If it is, will God forgive me? If He forgives me, what about the fruit of that action? I write to you candidly, for I have chosen you to be my noble guide. Please forgive me and help me.

You are certainly responsible for the action. God never forgives. Action brings on its own fruits. Through Prayaschitta or expiatory rites you can destroy the evil effects of a bad action. You actually suffer in Prayaschitta. Hence the evil effects are washed off. The evil Karma will not follow you to the next birth. Sincere repentance, Japa, fasting and charity can destroy the evil effects of bad Karma. In repentance you actually suffer. This serves to wash off the evil effects of the bad action. Repentance must be done with a contrite heart. You must not repeat the evil action again.

247. Why do different prophets give contradictory teachings?

Prophets are born from time to time to remove a catastrophe and establish Dharma. They preach according to the time, place, conditions and requirements. Lord Buddha preached, "Don't kill". Guru Govind Singh preached, "Kill". When Buddha was born, people were sacrificing many animals. He had to preach Ahimsa to stop killing. Guru Govind Singh had to infuse chivalry in man. One prophet preached, "Renounce and go to the forest". Sri Ramanuja preached, "Enjoy at home. Have no attachment. Worship Vishnu". The teachings are not contradictory in reality. They are needed to suit the occasion, time and nature of men.