Karma Yoga Teachings from the Masters

What is Karma Yoga

Karma Yoga Quotes

Here are two inspirational quotes from the Tao Te Ching on Karma Yoga (the Yoga of Action), about how one ought to approach ones life and work. They are consistent with Lord Krishnas teachings of Karma Yoga from the Bhagawat Gita. The essence of these teachings is to do the work that is required of you by life, without placing emphasis on the results or rewards of the work.

You can read about Krishnas teachings in the following article, The Yoga of Meditation, and below you will find the similar views expressed by the great Taoist master Lau-tzu.

Book: Tao Te Ching

Author: Stephen Mitchell

Tao Te Ching Quote #1 on Work and Karma Yoga:

Therefore the Master

acts without doing anything

and teaches without saying anything.

Things arise and she lets them come;

things disappear and she lets them go.

She has but doesnt possess,

acts but doesnt expect.

When her work is done, she forgets it.

That is why it lasts forever.

Karma Yoga Quote from Lau-tzu #2:

Do your work, then step back.

The only path to serenity.

What is Karma Yoga?

Karma Yoga is the art of how to do your work (duty) without over emphasizing the ego and the "I". To simply do what is required and then leave it alone. Not mull the results, or expect rewards, or look for compliments and accolades. Just keep it simple and pure. Here is a Karma Yoga quote from the Bhagwat Gita to shed more light on this topic.

Book: Bhagavad Gita

Author: Swam! i Prabha vananda and Chirstpher Isherwood

Krishnas Teachings on Karma Yoga

The ignorant work

For the fruit of their action:

The wise must work also

Without desire

Pointing mans feet

To the path of his duty.

Let the wise beware

Lest they bewilder

The minds of the ignorant

Hungry for action:

Let them show by example

How work is holy

When the heart of the worker

Is fixed on the Highest.

In the above excerpt, an additional technique for Karma Yoga is indicated, which is to do all work keeping in mind that it is the nothing more than the Lord acting through you, or doing all work as an offering to Divinity.

There are other approaches as well, which are very effective in helping you keep the ego out of the way with regard to your work, and I will discuss those in future articles on Karma Yoga.

For more understanding on how to keep God in mind when going through life, you can read, Zen Teachings on God and How to Get His Help.

---
Related Articles at Mastery of Meditation, Kundalini Yoga and Zen:



Popular posts from this blog

The Ultimate Yoga Guides

Image
Basic Yoga Exercise for Flexibility One of the most important basic yoga sets on this website, is the Yoga for Meditation Set .  It is part of the Silent Mind Meditation Program , which is the essence of my personal meditation practice, and details the Silent Mind Meditation Technique , which in my view is the ultimate meditation practice. This Yoga for Meditation set is excellent for those looking to improve their flexibility, especially the flexibility of their lower body, which is essential if you are going to sit for long periods of meditation.  It consists of some great basic yoga stretches which should be a part of every yogi's toolbox.  But,  of all the great flexibility improving yoga poses that are a part of this set, there is one that is key for those who are keen on sitting more comfortably.  That is Yoga Cradle Rock. Yoga Cradle Rock, is a basic yoga stretch which one is usually taught early in their yoga training.  It is from the...
Keep reading

Spiritual Jewellery Price in India

Image
Spiritual Jewellery Price in India Spiritual Jewellery Price in India Getting The Right Type Of Aromatherapy Essential Oils Illuminated Star Productions LLC Right now Hosting Informative Gatherings within South Florida beginning with Cregg Braden. All New Get Rid Of Acid Reflux Causes And Their Symptoms Healing - to become whole and sound; return to health; to restore a person to spiritual wholeness The Best Massage Table for My Process Cancer and Alternative Nike Free Medicine: An Overview 5 Good Reasons For A Liver Cleansing Diet 5 Good Reasons For A Liver Cleansing Diet Herbal Remedies For Joint Pain - Treating Arthritis Problems Yeast An infection Home Remedy - Will it be Conceivable to employ a Home Treatment to Remedy Yourself? Benefits Of Digestive Enzymes: How Can It Change Your Life? Ayurveda is a holistic system of health care that aims at balancing energies Ta...
Keep reading

Dorset Retreat with Dr. Naranjo

The first retreat led by Dr. Naranjo will take place in the lovely Gaunts House, an ideal and well-known venue for spiritual and therapeutic retreats, far (but not too far) from the madding crowd. The retreat is set on the 23rd to the 29th of September, wit programs divided into morning, afternoon and evening sessions. The participants will be engaged from early until late in an eclectic set of activities that will provide diverse and complementary perspectives from which to approach, experience and understand the self and the other. As in all of the retreats Dr. Naranjo will be leading the morning sessions, beginning with meditation and moving onto the Enneagram of Personality. The afternoon sessions, will consist of individual and shared exercises for self-exploration chosen by Dr. Naranjo and led by his collaborators, alongside body and movement work known as spontaneous movement'. The evening session will be dedicated principally to the presentation and analysis of films chosen...
Keep reading