Karma Yoga—Yoga of Selfless Actions

The greatest work is done
     only when there is no selfish motive.

 

Yoga is the discipline to work without any desire for personal gain or for the fruits of one's action. One attains Freedom through selfless actions, which are inherent in human nature. In Karma Yoga, the practitioner is not required to believe in God or engage in an inquiry for the True Self.

The discipline of Karma Yoga is the accumulation of small acts, paying attention to details, and selflessly conducting each act one by one. Through giving up the idea of "me and mine"* and serving others, one's ego and ignorance will be gradually annihilated. The result of this discipline is purity and serenity of mind.

* Giving up "me and mine" is non-attachment. Non-attachment means giving up our mental projections of the external world in terms of "me and mine".

In the beginning, practitioners may need to make an effort towards discipline. Consistent practice leads to the mind's purification. Examine your mind, hold it in, and do not allow it to break into the thoughts of "me and mine." Think and feel for others, and serve them for the sake of their happiness. Examine your mind to see if there are any reactions after performing an action. With actions based on expectations, the mind may respond to success with happiness, and failure with disappointment.

By willingly taking on tasks, especially those considered undesirable, and through persistent daily discipline, one's dualistic ideas (e.g. like and dislike, comfort and discomfort) are challenged. Selfless acts become natural and effortless. Furthermore, the mind is purified, and one sees everything as equal and has no thought for oneself. One sees all beings in oneself and oneself in all beings. All thoughts, words, and deeds will then reflect true compassion.