Bhagavad Gita for the Creative Soul

Ep 2 - Creating Without Attachments

• The Voice Bank • Season 1 • Episode 2

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In episode two, titled "Creating Without Attachments," Saurin explores the challenges in creating without being attached to the original vision or results. He reflects on his resistance to constructive criticism or changes, his desire for achievement and recognition, and his feeling inadequate and incompetent upon failure. And finally draws inspiration from Chapter 2, Verse 47 of the Bhagavad Gita.

Books referred in the episode:
"The Art of Resilience" by Gauranga Das Prabhu
"Power of Now" by  Eckhart Tolle

We welcome you to join us in building a community of creative souls on this journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Reach out to us at gitacreativesoul@gmail.com or find us on:

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Bhagavad Gita for the Creative Soul

  • Produced by The Voice Bank
  • Concept & Writing: Saurin Desai
  • Executive Producer: Rashmi Sundaram
  • Director: Sundar Sethuraman
  • Voice Artists: Sheetal Sawhney & Saurin Desai
  • Special Advisor: Kushagra Singh (Writer, Spiritual Speaker & Yoga Teacher)
  • Sound Designer: Sushant Sonawale
  • Music Composition: Sushant Sonawale & Ameen
  • Recordist: Agnel & Sushant Sonawale
  • Recorded at Crescendo Studio, Mumbai

00:00:00 Sundar

The Voice Bank presents Bhagavad Gita for the Creative Soul, conceived and written by Saurin Desai. Narrated by Sheetal Sawhney and Saurin Desai.

This interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita is not scholarly or literal, but personal and creative, with no intent to hurt the sentiments of any individual, community, or religion.

00:00:26 Sheetal

It is said that the Bhagavad Gita has answers for all, and all the answers. Join writer and seeker Saurin Desai as each week he grapples with thoughts and challenges related to life, work and creativity. Then explore the timeless wisdom of the Gita to discover how to harness creativity with grace, understanding, empathy, and timelessness.

00:00:59 Sheetal

Welcome to Bhagavad Gita for the Creative Soul. This is episode 2, ‘creating without attachments’, and Saurin is wondering how to create without being attached to the original vision or results.

00:01:18 Saurin

As a creative, I often find myself in a state of turmoil. On the one hand, creativity is an integral part of who I am. And I strongly identify with my ability to generate ideas and envision possibilities. 

00:01:34 Saurin

Fully immersing myself in a project and working towards a specific outcome is necessary to bring out the best in my creative work. However, this attachment to a creative vision also creates inner conflict.

00:01:48 Saurin

It can make me stubborn and resistant to constructive criticism or changes, even when they have the potential to improve the project. It's easy to get caught up in the desire for achievement and recognition.

00:02:01 Saurin

And if the project does not meet my expectations, I experience a feeling of inadequacy, incompetence, and personal defeat. That's why the following verse resonates so deeply with me.

00:02:21 Sheetal

karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana 

mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo'stv akarmaṇi (2.47)

00:02:32 Sheetal

Chapter 2, Verse 47.

00:02:39 Sheetal

You have the right to do your duties. But not to their outcomes.

Do not consider yourself as the reason for the results. But neither should you be attached to inaction.

00:02:58 Saurin

The first two lines are well known amongst lay people like me as 'karm kar, phal ki chinta na kar,' which translates to do your work. Do not worry about the fruits, that is the results.

00:03:12 Saurin

Initially, I found it challenging to understand how one could not be concerned about the results. However, what the verse actually says is that I have the right to actions, but not to the outcomes. In that case, what's the point in worrying about something that I'm not entitled to?

00:03:29 Saurin

This selfless action or detached involvement is called Nishkam Karm, which is neither negative nor indifferent.

00:03:38 Saurin

When applied to my writing life, I have learned that obsessing over outcomes such as getting published or seeking appreciation often leads me to shape my writing according to the audiences’ preferences. 

00:03:52 Saurin

But when I surrender to the process and focus on the act of writing itself, I experience greater enjoyment and fulfilment, and the work I produce is not only my best but also suits the situation. 

00:04:06 Saurin

And whenever I let go of my old ideas, expectations, and worries about the future. Something amazing happens. I feel free from the fear of failure. I can take risks without being focused on specific results, and my work gets better in ways I never expected.

00:04:22 Saurin

But as Gaurang das Prabhu says in his book, The Art of Resilience, this idea is also often misunderstood. Detachment from results does not mean working without goals. Even in this lack of attachment, I must maintain purpose driven goals to keep myself aligned with my true north. 

00:04:40 Saurin

So how do I create without attachments 

00:04:43 Saurin

Practice detachment mindfully: Swami Vivekananda said, “you separated entirely from the world, though you are in the world. And that whatever you may be doing in it, you're not doing that for your own sake”.

00:04:57 Saurin

Success and failure are both short-lived and impermanent. And so, the outcome of anything does not determine who I am and my worth.

00:05:05 Saurin

Release expectations continuously: I must release preconceived notions or expectations about how my creation should turn out.

00:05:15 Saurin

If I can accept that the outcome is not in my control, then I can focus on creating and which would help me to stay in the present moment.

00:05:24 Saurin

Focus on selflessness: Shift my focus from personal gain and recognition to the service and value my creation can provide. And if I can connect my work to a higher purpose, that helps me to be less focused on myself and more on the joy of doing something meaningful.

00:05:42 Saurin

Will I be involved but detached automatically and constantly? I wish it were that simple and effortless. But whenever I have been present enough to apply it, I stopped feeling overwhelmed and enjoy the creative process. Ultimately, I create work that is not only meaningful but also deeply fulfilling.

If this is not liberating, what is? 

00:06:06 Saurin

Thank you for your time and attention. The greatest gift you can give me. 

I am Saurin Desai and each week I delve into the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Together, let's create a community of Creative Souls on this journey of self-discovery and growth.

If you have any thoughts, questions, or feedback, reach me at gitacreativesoul@gmail.com, 

00:06:33 Saurin

And from this moment onwards, I'm on a quest to create without being attached to the original vision or the results.