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Karma Yoga recognizes that spiritual awareness and evolution can be attained through one’s actions in life. The Bhagavad Gita is the classical text on Karma Yoga, in which Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna, before the commencement of the great battle at Kurukshetra, on duty and self-less action. The karma yogi, then, performs his/her actions not out of desire for personal gain but out of rightness and benefit for all. This consecration of the fruits of one’s action to the Divine is what is known as self-less action. Karma Yoga, however, requires more than merely “good intensions”. One must have right knowledge of their actions and an understanding of the “cause and effect” relationships.
Unclouded by ignorance, desire and attachment, the karma yogi always performs the right action, at the right time, in the right manner, releasing him/herself from the bonds of the law of karma. In this way, the karma yogi finds liberation through active involvement in the world.
The term Karma Yoga is often used to refer to the giving of one’s time or professional services to the needy or in support of some benevolent organization. This is more aptly termed Seva Yoga, or the yoga of selfless service. Though this type of activity is often grouped in with Karma Yoga, one should not lose site of the higher aspects of Karma Yoga, that it isn’t merely a singular action performed at a specific time and place, but an unbroken selfless and discerning approach to life.
“The salt of life is self-less service. The bread of life is universal love. Life is not fully lived, life has not been fully realized, if you do not serve and love the entire humanity. The secret of true life is in the love of God and the service of humanity. Live to help others. The Divine power will stream through you as a life-giving force.”
— Swami Sivananda
Source: International Yogalayam, http://www.intl-yoga.com
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