Karma Yoga

Print

Sri Bhagavan uvaca, Sannyasah karma yogasca nihsreyasakaravubau |
Tayostu karma sannyasat karma yogo visisyate ||

-Bhagavad-Gita V: 02

The Lord replied: The renunciation of work and work in devotion, both are good for liberation.

But, of the two, work in the devotional service is better than the renunciation of work.

Karma Yoga:

The word karma is derived from the Sanskrit root kr meaning "to do". Karma means action, therefore all actions are karma. Selfless action is karma yoga, and its aim is to bring integration, harmony and union through action. It is a yogic path that is open to everyone, for we all have to work and perform various activities, whether physical or mental. Each action, when performed as a duty with the right attention, becomes contemplative and the source of happiness.

Karma yoga represents service and work that is undertaken for its own sake, the fruits of ones actions become irrelevant. One who works with equanimity of mind without attachment to results is known as a karma yogi.

There are two kinds of action:

• Lawful actions (vidhi karma): the injunctions of the Sastras.
• Forbidden or prohibitory actions (nishidha karma): these actions are interdicted by the scriptures.

There are four kinds of lawful actions:

• Nitya karma - Daily or regular work
• Naimittika karma - Occasional work
• Kamya karma - Optional work
• Prayaschitta karma - Penances

The main aim of karma yoga is to achieve self-realization and liberation.

The Bhagavad-Gita explains the essence of karma as follows:

"Karmanyevadhikaraste ma phalesu kadacana ma karmaphala heturbhurma te sangostvakarmani"

Everyone has the right only to do karma, without claiming right to the outcome of such karma. One should not continue to work or stop working on the basis of success or failure.

According to the Bhagavad-Gita, one should work with detachment.

This equilibrious state of mind is yoga. By working without attachment we can derive happiness from our work, which leads to the highest bliss.