Karma Yoga

The word ‘karma’ means “action, to work”. Any mental or physical activity is called karma. The result of this action is also called karma, thus the word also refers to the worldly law and principle of cause and effect.

Everything we do, say or think has an effect that, at the appropriate time, rewards us in full measure. This happens according to this principle of consequence. What we call ‘luck’ is the result of our past good deeds, and what we see as bad luck is the result of our past bad actions.

Therefore, our future events do not arise by chance, but they actually happen due to the effect of our past and present actions. Thus our destiny (destiny) is predetermined by our actions. Just as an arrow fired from a bow has a fixed target, unless its course is changed or corrected by some other event. In the practice of “Yoga in Daily Life” with meaningful perception, intelligence and selfless service, we can reduce and change the fruits of our actions and give a meaningful direction to our prarabdha (future).

Our present condition is the result of our past actions and our present actions will determine our future. Once we understand this, then we cannot blame anyone for whatever happens to us today, but we will accept our responsibility for ourselves.

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There are two types of Karma:

Sakam Karma – Karma for one’s own benefit

Nishkaam Karma – Selfless deeds

Selfish thoughts and actions deepen the conflict (feeling of two separate beings) between ‘me’ and ‘your’. However, the feeling of being selfless takes us far beyond the limits of our petty ego and leads to the unity of all. Sakam Karma binds us to the chaurasi ka chakra (the cycle of death and rebirth). Nishkaam Karma frees us from it.

In India, rain, trees, rivers and saints are considered symbols of selflessness. The rain is meant to benefit everyone equally – humans, nature and animals and birds. The tree gives its shade to those who want shade and also gives its sweet fruits to those who stone the tree to get the fruits. The river is also for everyone. A deer quenches its thirst from the same river as a tiger. A saint without discrimination gives his blessings, his best wishes to all.

Nishkaam  is the way to avoid new karma and it can also rectify previous karma. Knowledge (understanding), forgiveness and help are selfless actions which free us from the cycles of karma.