what-is-karma-yoga

Karma yoga is one of the four main branches of yoga (Jnana (knowledge or self-study), Bhakti (devotion), karma (yoga of action), and Raja (meditation)). In yoga, karma is referred to as selfless service to others.

This yoga teaches us that every action should be done without the desire for fruit. The yogis who do this treat Karma Yoga as divine, giving priority to it and doing it whole-heartedly. At the same time, he renounces all kinds of desires.

The accumulation of virtues that is essential for a Karma Yogi is humility, surrender, renunciation, peace, courage, self-reliance, truthfulness, universal love, kindness, generosity, concentration, and the art of living rationally in every situation. Selfish, lazy, and manipulative persons are not fit for the practice of karma.

What is Karma Yoga?

The word ‘karma’ means “action, to work” or “the path of selfless service.” Any mental or physical activity is called karma. The result of this action is also called Karma. Thus the term also refers to the earthly law and principle of cause and effect.

The word karma is derived from the root Kri. The word karma is derived from the suffix ‘mind’ in the root of Kri. Karma means “work, deed or action” etc. We can say that the action in which the result of the action of the doer is contained in that action. It is the natural tendency of man to act.

A person is bound by action, but the Bhagavad Gita has called efficiency in work called Karmayoga. Giving the definition of Yoga, is said in Bhagavad Gita-

“Yoga: Karmasu Kaushalam”

That is, skill in actions is yoga. In Karmayoga Sadhna, a person performs actions without being bound by the bondage of karma and he attains liberation even while performing worldly deeds.

Karma yoga is unfortunately called service, but it is not. This is the way to eliminate the influences that you have accumulated. If you involve yourself selflessly in the service of others, it is Karma Yoga. If you do it with a lot of effort, only karma will happen, not yoga.

That is, actions should be done with the intention of the cause, devoid of attachment to the fruit. We should not expect the result by considering the action as dear or unpleasant. Karmayoga is the act of doing action without attachment to the fruit.

Mahatma Gandhi used to say that the path of Karma Yoga is the best path among all yogas.

Benefits of Karma Yoga

Most of our activities and actions in daily life either attract attention or avoid attention. However, the spiritual path of Karma Yoga emphasizes doing all our actions without any doubts or expectations.

This Yoga promotes positive emotions such as humility, kindness, compassion, respect, gratitude, generosity, love, and joy.

To do any work properly, it has to be given full attention. Whenever we try to give proper attention to a task, concentration gets promoted. Karma Yoga also teaches us to forget the old things and convert negative emotions like jealousy, hatred, fear, greed, selfishness, and jealousy into powerful actions.

Karma Yoga’s Purpose

The practice of this Yoga is a way of attaining moksha (enlightenment) through one’s actions and actions in the world.

This yoga is a way to awaken our self-knowledge. We can then foresee not only our present life objectives but our future course of action. Through karma in this yoga, we can deepen our spiritual connection with God while reducing our egoistic tendencies.

History of Karma Yoga

The foundation of Karma Yoga The yoga of action was further explained in the Bhagavad Gita, one of the first Upanishad scriptures.

The precursors of karma yoga ideas in the Bhagavad Gita are the ancient Upanishads, such as the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. The Karma Marga is mentioned in the Vedic literature of the Mimamsa school of Hindu philosophy, along with other Vedic texts, but these refer to the path of rituals contextually.

Swami Vivekananda’s famous book Karma Yoga is a compilation of lectures given by him in America from December 1895 to January 1896.

How to Practice Karma Yoga

Ideally, This yoga is one of the easiest and simplest methods.

Each of us can practice this Yoga. Follow these simple steps to practice Karma Yoga to achieve greater unity and peace in your daily life;

  • Meditation is the best way to start. A moment of calm in the morning prepares oneself for the day. ,
  • Avoid thinking about yourself. The ego is a trickster.
  • Make a list of all duties/roles. The more connections we can make between karma yoga and liberation, the closer we are to breaking the karmic structures.
  • Understand the importance of tasks and roles and prioritize them according to their importance.
  • Try to do all the duties/work with a positive attitude.
  • Find others who are on a similar path or look for volunteer opportunities.

This Yoga can be practiced in every circumstance and by every person, irrespective of caste, ashram, sect, etc.

Conclusion

The passion for doing an action in human beings has been going on since time immemorial, to eradicate it, it is necessary to do karma. But how should those actions be performed with the intention and purpose that the attachment of doing them is completely eradicated, the art of performing that duty-action is called ‘Karmayoga’.

In order to break away from karma, it is necessary that karma should not be done for one’s own sake. Not doing work for oneself means not wanting to get anything for oneself in return for actions. As long as there is a desire to get something for oneself, there is a relationship with karma.

RELATED ARTICLES

Mar 28, 2024
Yoga Poses For Insomnia Relax And Get Better Sleep

If you're having trouble sleeping, know that you're not alone, and it may be costing you more than a few[...]

Mar 28, 2024
Balayam & More Effective Yoga Poses For Healthy Hair Growth

Yoga is known for its various health benefits, including stress reduction and improved blood circulation, there isn't scientific evidence directly[...]

Mar 26, 2024
Yoga For Flexibility: How it Helps And Poses to Try

Along with physical fitness, flexibility is also a major component of mental fitness. One reason to increase flexibility is to[...]

RECENT POSTS

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional