Karma Yoga

There is a saying that our thoughts and feelings shape the world within us. Our words and actions define the world around us. Therefore, whatever we feel is reflected through our actions. When we are happy and gay, it is reflected in our behavior, attitude and everything we do. Our brain is filled with positivity. We spread happiness around. When sad, we do not feel like socializing, we rage in anger,  an atmosphere of animosity and negativity develops within us. A human being performs many actions in a day –some intentional and some unintentional. Many times, we unknowingly hurt the sentiments of a person.

Karma Yoga refers to the ‘yoga of action’. The act of joyfully involving oneself in an activity for the benefit of the great good is karma yoga. The style of karma yoga  focuses on the ideal alignment of thoughts, words, and deeds in daily life. A subtle idea is embedded in a concept that karma yoga style encourages the practitioner to strive for overall perfection through the activity. The practice assists the individual in making the right decision. Transcend the boundaries of your ego through the consistent karma yoga practice.

Karma yoga is more of a spiritual practice rather than a physical exercise. It is aimed at helping the practitioner get rid of any lust, hatred, vice, greed and all negative attributes experienced by an individual. Practice this yoga style with pure intention, a clean heart that prevents you from doing bad actions. Meditation is one of the important elements of this yoga style.

It teaches the practitioners to act according to the dharma without worrying about the consequences or any kind of rewards. The sacred Hindu book Bhagavad Gita states that the practice of karma yoga purifies the mind of the practitioner. It helps the practitioner get rid of all the depravity, indecency and more.  

The fundamental principle of karma yoga style lies in doing good actions under all circumstances. Our deeds must be directed towards divine consciousness at every step. It incorporates the element of altruistic in our act. This entails that all actions are carried out with clear intentions, without being attached to the outcome of deeds done. Emphasis is laid upon the fact that the path of karma yoga leads human beings closer to the supreme power, the God.

Karma yoga forms the basic step before any other style of yoga can be performed. To experience divine wisdom, one has to follow the path of karma yoga. The efforts of the yogi remain futile until and unless they follow the karmic principles in their daily life.

Here are some of the elements of Karma Yoga practice:  

• Practice deep breathing techniques to achieve a state of tranquility and to expunge emotions of hatred, egoism, lust and much more.
• Get involved in a social service project as it is believed that good karma comes back to you
• Develop an attitude of compassion towards others and, help them whenever they are in need.

Unleash yourself from all kinds of acrimony, rancor and all negative vibes through karma yoga practice.