Virtue is its own reward
One of the basic teachings of Gita is what is called Niskam Karma’, which means that man has to do his duty in a selfless, disinterested manner without caring for reward or appreciation. A person following the principle that work is his concern, not the fruit thereof, leads a detached life like the lotus which, in spite of the mud in which it grows, remains the purest of objects in the world. The practice of virtue in this manner gives a peculiar spiritual satisfaction and saves man from disappointment and frustration. This principle, however, is not easy to follow for all and sundry, for man is essentially swayed by emotion and feelings and one of the most powerful of all feelings is the desire of appreciation and reward whatever be its form. Hence, when a righteous person finds that in spite of his efforts to practise virtue, he does not enjoy prosperity and peace, he is often sore at heart. And yet the only way to enjoy happiness in the world is to do one’s duty conscientiously and leave the rest to the Almighty.
