Archive for February 21st, 2009

Learn how to make assists and adjustments with students when practicing Surya Namaskar, from a lecture at Aura Wellness Center in Attleboro, MA with Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500.

Written By Jay Franco

Yoga, in all forms, is escalation of consciousness and progression. Karma yoga is one of the preparatory stages of Hatha yoga. Karma means action, while Karma yoga is a way to take these actions to the path of salvation.

Karma yoga is primarily based on the teachings of the holy book of the Hindus, the Bhagavad-Gita, and is meant with the “discipline of action.”  The essence of Karma yoga lies in eulogizing action, regardless to the fruit of action. Karma yoga is believed to be one of the four pillars of yoga.

Background of Karma yoga

In the Bhagavad-Gita, there is a chapter on the entire process of Karma yoga. The dialogue takes place between Arjuna and Lord Krishna. In this episode, the lord explains and enlightens him of all the yoga systems, including Karma yoga. The Hindu philosophies comprehend on karma and samskar. Hindus believe that every individual is born with definite karma, positive or negative. The cycle of life, and past life, continues till the individual arrives at zero balance, and they are then believed to have reached liberation.

Concept of Karma yoga

“Karma”  is a Sanskrit derivative from “kri,” which means “to do.”  Yoga transforms with the “union.”  The literal meaning of Karma yoga is “course of union through action.”  Even Adi Shankaracharya has said that with practice of Karma, the mind purifies. Karma yoga is the first step to Jnana Yoga and finally, towards salvation.

Principle rules of Karma yoga

The key rules of Karma yoga lie in two decrees – yama and niyama. Yama deals with conduct towards others, while niyama is meant with conduct in ourselves.

Benefits of Karma yoga

The selfless service purifies one’s heart. The individual becomes a Karma yogi with the development of kindness, love, mercy, sympathy, and waning of hatred, self-centeredness, jealousy, etc.

Karma yoga brings us closer to God. With development of tolerance and oneness, he/she feels unified with all creation. The attainment of spiritual powers is the next step in Karma yoga. A true Karma yogi serves people selflessly and is respected in the society. This happens with practice of Karma yoga and can be felt. One of the greatest Karma yogis of all times is Gautama Buddha.

Practicing Karma yoga

Like it is said, “charity begins at home.” Similarly, one can practice Karma yoga in every day life in simple ways, by showing compassion to the poor or needy. Take delight in serving the destitute, this simple Karma will evolve you one step further towards moksha.