Karma yoga is one of the main paths of yoga that any practitioner can follow. It is described in the Hindu sacred text, as the 'Bhagavad Gita.'
Practising Karma Yoga
Practising karma yoga is the most effective way to develop spiritually. The name comes from the Sanskrit term meaning ‘deed’ or ‘action.’ It is the path of action or selfless service towards others. Karma yoga is an ancient concept.
The Spiritual Path
The spiritual path allows us to pay attention, rather than look for attention. We get to perform our actions without any intention or expectations, seeing life from a broader perspective. Karma yoga takes us closer to our ideal state and spiritual goals.
Continually practicing karma yoga will bring about different thoughts from us that allows us to give selflessly for the good of others without self-attachment to the results of our actions.
When what we do becomes a process of liberation instead of entanglement, we know it’s karma yoga. The nature of the activity isn’t important, whether it's talking to someone, or just going for a walk. Where we are capable of involving ourselves as if that is our life, it transforms us, and action becomes liberating. That is karma yoga.
Karma yoga gives relevance
Karma yoga taught by zen teachers, if practiced regularly gives relevance to how we live our lives. Volunteering our time and effort is used as an example of karma yoga, based on these principles, actions undertaken can be karma yoga.
Acting with the right motives
It is the attitude to the action that matters, rather than the action itself. This means acting with the right motives, or intentions, in the right way, doing our best, but surrendering our attachment to the outcome.
Use mantras and chanting
Some teachings recommend using mantras and chanting, before and during the actions, so that we’re able to develop the right mindset and approach to giving selflessly. Although chanting keeps us present and focused, practising and working on a particular mind set and simply being kind to each other is all that is needed.
Being kind and caring, compassionate, tolerant, patient and understanding are all the things we should be working towards so that we can give selflessly, without expecting things back in return.
I have to admit that I was thinking of something totally different when I first read the title, but after reading the post, it makes so much more sense.
I have actually been doing this for a long time without even really realizing it, seeing as it's one of the primary aspects of service work in AA.
My biggest downfall has been in having the expectation that I would end up receiving such great rewards, as in lots of money or the perfect partner, when that isn't really what it's about.
I had those chances and let them pass me by because of my fears, doubts and insecurities, so I will have to do my best with what I have today.
I think it has a lot more to do with just being a decent human being and doing the right things simply because that's the right thing to do.
Thanks Randy. Yes, exercise isn't just the physical, we must exercise the mind too! Your last paragraph sums up your response beautifully.
'Karma yoga' has everything to do with being decent human beings and doing the right thing. It's not only the right thing to do as you say, but it's what we're supposed to do. It's why we're here.
I love that Karma yoga is the primary aspects of service work in the 'AA.'
I don't pretend to completely understand Karma Yoga, but I do agree with your thoughts in the final paragraph, although I fear for some of us it may be too late.
Honestly, it's never too late to change or want to be better than we were yesterday.
I think the problem is centred around culture, families and our beliefs. We're groomed to believe certain things and follow a certain path. Sadly, we're not encouraged to think for ourselves. Then there is the ego and abuse, which are centred around these practices.
Being spiritual is a lifestyle choice and 'karma yoga' is something that we can all practice. And as 'My Story' shows, we can change at any age, we just have to want to.