The Study of Yoga Karma - Article Example

Karma Yoga Introduction Most individuals have pondered over the thought of getting happiness through various methods in this world. While doing so some have pursued the goal of moneymaking, others have gone beyond to usher in the era of self-esteem and pride. However, after acquiring such material goals, the human being feels a sense of emptiness again, as the person realizes that this does not lead to the ultimate happiness. Accordingly, Indian ways of spirituality have defined different paths of life that lead the person to the goal of attaining pure happiness and peace, although many find it alluring. This paper shall discuss briefly the universal paths prescribed by different Indian sacred scriptures like Bhagvad Geeta, while focusing on the path of Action called “Karma Yoga”. Meaning of Yoga Yoga being a Sanskrit word means “to become one” or “to unite”. In simpler words, it refers to the guidelines prescribed for union of a human being with the creator of this world. It is believed that such union brings the ultimate peace and happiness, which cannot be described in material words. Since divinity is within the human body and mind, yoga teaches the person to explore this divinity and seek union with it, while wondering within the confines of individual mind. Accordingly, Yoga refers to the techniques and attitudes as well as way of life that can free the human being from bondage of suffering as well as life and death. Indian scriptures are full of such detailed techniques as interpreted by many intellectuals like Ram Krishna Parmahans, Swami Vivekanand in the past as well as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during the present times. Universal paths of yoga According to Indian philosophy, there are mainly three paths, which can take a person to the ultimate goal of self-realization. As different paths of a mountain lead to the peak, the three paths can lead to this goal, either individually or collectively. The three paths are Jnana Yoga that means path of knowledge, Karma Yoga that means path of action without any selfish motives, Bhakhti Yoga that means path of complete surrender through devotion. Baghvad Geeta has summarized all three yogas and their techniques as well as virtues, as spoken by Lord Krishna while delivering sermons to young warrior Arjun in the battlefield. All three yogas are complimentary to each other and a true seeker would need practicing one or the other during the voyage to self-realization. In addition, the Raaja Yoga, that is the path of meditation, also leads to the final goal of self-realization. Path of action-karma Yoga As Karma means action, Karma Yoga specifies the path of action. Discussing on the importance of action in a life of any seeker, Lord Krishna has clarified in Baghvad Geeta that taking proper action is essential, instead of being action-less. However, action without a positive focused direction is dangerous and harmful. In addition, Karma Yoga lays emphasis on action that must be taken with both the mind and the body. For example, Arjun felt helpless in the battlefield of Kurukhetra, as he opined that fighting against his own close realties and teachers would be the most shameful act for him. Accordingly, he laid down his arms and wanted to retreat from the battlefield. Lord Krishna motivated Arjun to take up arms again and fight, as the fight would be against the evil and not the material men. Karma Yoga guides the seeker on the perceptions of right and wrong action. It takes the human being to a mental level where the person can distinguish between the two in a clear and focused manner. In addition, Karma Yoga also teaches about the action of thought, which emphasizes on the result of any thought perceiving some action to be equal to taking the action itself. Action and inaction The above leads the person to know the difference between action and inaction. Bahgwad Geeta clarifies that even the wishful thinking of performing an action equals to the action being actually taken. Hence, taking only the appropriate action leads the person to desired goal. Similarly, inaction like the hesitation of Arjun to fight in the beginning is not righteous and can cause harm to the seeker. An action, which is focused in the right direction, is always needed and preferred to the “inaction”. Cause of Karma As every human being is blessed with five senses through which the person perceives the material world, these are responsible for the action taken by the individual at various stages. For example, when a person fancies a tasty food specialty, this becomes the cause of action for this human being to eat such food for satisfying the taste buds of tongue. Similarly, when eyes would like to visit and view a certain show, the person is pursued to take the action for going to the show. Ear, nose and other senses of human body remain the cause of action. Mind takes orders from these senses to compel the human being for taking the desired action. Kinds of karma The Sanchita Karma details about the various acts performed by individuals in the previous births. As the person has no control over them, they remain dormant in the subconscious mind. Prarabhda Karma. is the action, which results from acts done in past lives. A person is set to perform such action and cannot escape it. Some people name it as destiny. Purshartha karma results form deliberate action taken by the human being during the current life cycle. Such action leads to sanchita and prarabadha Karma for future lives. Three Gunas-Modes of nature Sattava, Rajas and tamas are the three modes of nature that define each individual in this world. Sattava defines purity in action and thought, harmony, peace and serenity. Rajas defines the nature of a person who is always ambitious and wants to acquire material comforts, without any end to such desire. Tamas depicts the nature of a person who is ignorant, forgetful, thought-less, indiscriminate and lazy, as well as gloomy and always restless. Such a person remains confined to illusion. (Krishnaswami, nd) Practice of karma Yoga Any action done without desiring to cherish its fruits is the true practice of Karma Yoga. Self less service and belief in the ideal of “work is worship” define the perfect practice of Karma Yoga. In the present world, many philanthropists like Bill and Melinda Gates are true karma Yogis. Works Cited Krishnaswami. O. R. (nd). “Karma Yoga: Yoga of Action.” Retrieved on April 12, 2015, from: http://writer.academia-research.com/file/get/instr/1249798/file/karma_yoga_book_by_o.r.krishnaswami-2.doc Read More