Karma Yoga

Karma Yoga - The Concept

The word Karma is derived from the Sanskrit Kri, meaning 'to do'. In its most basic sense karma simply means action, and yoga translates to union. Thus Karma yoga literally translates to the path of union through action. However, in Vedantic philosophy the word 'Karma' means both action and the effects of such action. Karma Yoga is described as a way of acting, thinking and willing by which one orients oneself toward realization by acting in accordance with one's duty (dharma) without consideration of personal self-centered desires, likes or dislikes. Acting without being attached to the fruits of one's deeds.

In my previous post, I wrote a letter in regards to a project, rather an expansion of a current project. My Partner and our Founder of our non profit organization, Buddham Yoga International, Yogi Amitram ji, while visiting Canada, we coordinated a clothing drive to India which is currently in progress.

In his last days, we were tying up some loose ends with the logistics of this project. I shall refrain from over using the word project. It is a project but more importantly, it is Service. During those last days, while picking up a hoodie with fur in the hood (you can read the full story in the previous blog) I was inspired to start something else in conjunction with the clothes drive by organizing a cap knitting campaign to keep the heads warm of those who are in need with or without shelter, often there is no heating and we can cover the body with clothes, blankets, sometimes even - I have seen this - newspapers - but the head needs to be covered as that is where we loose most of our body heat. As I am typing this - more information is being downloaded to me....the feet and the hands...another portal for energy release. So maybe this can expand to mits and socks. But one thing at a time; right?

"Karma Yoga is the selfless devotion of all inner as well as the outer activities as a Sacrifice to the Lord of all works, offered to the eternal as Master of all the soul's energies and austerities."
Bhagavad Gita

Whatever you have to do, just do your best. If you know of a better way to serve, you must use do it. Don't hold back because of fear of effort or because of fear of criticism. Do not work in a lazy manner just because no one is watching or because you feel the work is not for you. Give it your best. Try to do such actions that can bring maximum good and minimum evil. Do Karma Yoga increasingly. Don't be attached to the results. Don't be attached to the job. All jobs are importantly equal. There is no job higher or lower.

We all have our own paths to follow but if you look deeply into your lives...you are probably practicing karma yoga already. Parent's do so with their children every day. Isn't parenting a labour of love? I know sometimes the rewards aren't exactly what we expected...I know...I am a parent of a teenager...but that is not why we love and parent and guide our children, feed them, clothe them, take care of them. Other examples are volunteers, even in our own day to day jobs.

But...there is that something extra that many long inside some of us. The need to be doing something. So just do it. Anything! Plant a seedling in a deforested area. Serve at a homeless shelter...run a community bake sale or yard sale to raise funds for your local community programs. In the end...it makes one feel so good.

When we work with devotion. It is a selfless service. It comes right from the heart. No mind. Just doing. You will feel so free!