KARMA YOGA - Part 1
Karma is simply 'the actions'. In other words, the effort and endeavor that we put in, to succeed in our life. As a student, father/mother, brother/sister, peer or manager at work. When we play one or more of these roles, we always have a purpose and anticipation as to how the result of the action should be or want to be. Isn't it? But, is the result always what one wanted or expected? The answer is a "NO". Because of this big "No" we suffer, get stressed out and cause remorse in our own life. One thinks that despite one's fullest efforts, one-other who is a lot less deserving is successful than one. One then concludes that one-other is luckier and so one gets demoralized and disheartened. This phenomenon replicates across various relationship at both family and professional level. This could tremendously impact both mental and physical well being of an individual.
Hence it is imperative that we all truly understand as to how we correctly go about doing ACTIONS in our life at different levels...student, father/mother...brother/sister...peer/manager at work and so on. When we act upon on this world with SELFLESSNESS, that is, without doership (Kartaa) or being a beneficiary (bhoktaa) and as an offering to god (eshwararpanam) then the action becomes KARMA YOGA.
Lord Krishna explains it very beautifully in Bhagvadgita, Chapter 2, Sloka 47.
"KARMANYEVADHIKARASTE MA PHALESHU KADACHANA
MA KARMAPHALAHETURBHU MA TE SANGOTVAKARMANI"
KARMANI - In doing Karma (Actions)
EVA - Only
TE - They ('We have' in the context)
ADHIKARAHA - Authority or Discretion
MA - Not |
KADACHANA - ever | Never
PHALESHU - in Results or Outcomes
Meaning
"We only have the discretion or authority to choose what type of Karma (Action) that we would like to perform. However, one has absolutely no control or authority over the result(s) that come out in the wake of the action taken". Let's see how this can be related to us.
Hidden Message
Let's say at work you're competing with your peers for getting recognition, promotion or simply securing a superior task. There is nothing wrong in aspiring. In fact, one should sincerely put in every effort to achieve one's aspiration. However, the result may or may not be in one's favor. The other person may be more successful. One just can't control it. It is the Eshwara who decides the outcome based on one's eligibility to it.
At a lower level of thinking, it appears to one that one is always unlucky, in a bad spot or opportunity deprived. But the other person is quite opposite, that is lucky, in a good situation, full of opportunities and shown bias. The fact of matter is, when it is looked at a higher level..."What has to happen will always happen and what not to happen will not happen". WE HAVE NO CONTROL WHAT-SO-EVER. However, one should make a sincere attempt and effort. For example, if one ends up standing in the middle of the highway and says 'trust the Karma' then one is sure to get killed. Hence the effort for Karma is absolutely essential. In Sanskrit it is called, "PURUSHA PRAYATNAM" (Conscious Effort).
The motto should be, "Do your best and leave the rest to the hands of Eshwara".
Second Line:
MA - Not (Shall not)
KARMA - Action(s)
BHU - Be the
HETU - Purpose or Reason (of the)
PHALA - Results
AKARMANI - In NOT doing KARMA (Actions)
TE - They ('We' in the context)
MA - Not (Shall not have)
SANGAHA - Attachments
ASTU - So be it
Meaning
"A Karma (Action) should never be done in anticipation of one's own expectation. At the same time, any Akarma (Inaction) should never drag one into the obsession that one is missing out on opportunities when compared to others . Thus not, getting attached to even Akarma (inaction) and the sense of deprivation".
Hidden Message
One should never do any Karma (Action) for it's RESULT. Remember, it's not in our hands but only the Eshwara. Karma should be done for it's own sake based on the role one is playing...student, father/mother, peer/manager. Just do whatever is appropriate for the role that you're playing to facilitate a smooth running. For example, think as to what Karma a father/mother to keep the family in the order and do it accordingly. Likewise, at workplace, relatives, friends and etc.
The catch here is that the intent is for a smooth running of Vyavahara (daily business) and nothing else with no expectations and results. If things don't work out then think again and make changes accordingly until the role you're playing is working and also is harmonious with others. This should be a continuous improvement process until the goal is achieved. But again, in spite of all efforts one may or may not reach the goal as it is not at all in one's hands. Accept it and move on.
Likewise, don't feel peer pressured if you're NOT doing any action either. For example, your peer is very ambitious, moving up in the chain, making consistent career growth and money. But, you're stalled and can't move up. Don't worry about it...just keep trying to the best of your abilities and never worry. Again, please remember, the results of the action whether belonging to YOU or OTHER is invariably decided by Eshwara. So why sweat it (worry). How can one attribute failures to oneself when one has no control over it (results), isn't it? Please think about it.
When all the four aspects (see below) of the above sloka are thoroughly understood and implemented then the KARMA that one performs is magically transformed into KARMA YOGA.
The tenets of Karma
- Our choice or authority is only to choose the Karma (action) that we would like to perform
- We do not have any control or authority what-so-ever on the outcome of our actions
- We shall never do Karma in anticipation of our own dictated outcome or result
- Never worry Akarma (inaction or insufficient action) that compares our accomplishments with others
Hari Om
Very nicely written
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