Karma Yoga?

[Tirisilex]

I haven't got a clue as to what Karma Yoga is.. Can someone help?

[ScottMalaysia]

From what I understand, it's performing your duty without being attached to the results (i.e. money).

[Krsna Das]

From what I understand, it's performing your duty without being attached to the results (i.e. money).

It is Nishkama karma not Nishkama karma yoga.

Yoga only happens when you ALSO offer the results of the dharmik-activities to your Lord.

But that is again in the mode of goodness.

[devotee]

Namaste Trisilex and Scott,

From what I understand, it's performing your duty without being attached to the results (i.e. money).

I would like to correct your statement a little :

"Karma Yoga is performing your duties without any attachment to results".

Money may not be the result in all cases.

OM

[yajvan]

hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~


namasté

Namaste Trisilex and Scott,
I would like to correct your statement a little :
"Karma Yoga is performing your duties without any attachment to results".
Money may not be the result in all cases.
OM

And this is done perfectly, without error when one lives , breathes and experiences the Self ( ātman आत्मन् ) as one's normal state of being.

praṇām

[Ekanta]

So why is karma yoga important?
As I have understood, and would like to point out:

1.Our destiny is decided by karma (we all know that).
2.But also this: our actions form habits which hardens into character and vasanas (mental traits). Wrong actions (or for the fruit) become impurities in mind/chitta. With those impurities we cant see/understand clearly. So karma-yoga is actually the basic spiritual practice on which others rest. Without a pure mind we cant concentrate or develop bhakti and without concentration we cant achieve deeper wisdom etc.

If karma-yoga is done, the rest will come rather easy (due to pure mind). Later karma-yoga can be done (is automatically done) with bhakti and jnana also. As I understand it they are all inseparable in reality.

Well, that's at least a short hint to the Hugh importance of karma-yoga (which is often neglected).

[smaranam]

Namaste

I just want to point out we have a very wise young sAdhak here on HDF - ShunyatA , whose signature read :

Watch your thoughts they become words
Watch your words they become actions
Watch your actions they become habits
Watch your habits they become who you are

or something on those lines. I don't know why i cannot see the signature anymore.

What a nice summation of Karma Yoga that is a built-in process to purify the mind.

Which also happens to be what Ekantaji is saying here

2.But also this: our actions form habits which hardens into character and vasanas (mental traits). Wrong actions (or for the fruit) become impurities in mind/chitta. With those impurities we cant see/understand clearly. So karma-yoga is actually the basic spiritual practice on which others rest. Without a pure mind we cant concentrate or develop bhakti and without concentration we cant achieve deeper wisdom etc.

Jai Shri KRSNa

[Eastern Mind]

Vannakkam:

Besides defining it, what are some specific examples in life? Here are some ideas. Tell me if you think they are karma yoga or not.

Men supporting their families by earning a livelihood.
Supporting the poor and religious institutions by giving.
Helping out physically with neighbours, or feeding of the poor.
obeying the laws of the country you live in.
Being reliable, not breaking promises.

Aum Namasivaya

[Krsna Das]

Radhe...

My understanding is this:

Men supporting their families by earning a livelihood. - NO
Supporting the poor and religious institutions by giving. MAY BE
Helping out physically with neighbours, or feeding of the poor. NO
obeying the laws of the country you live in. NO
Being reliable, not breaking promises. NO

[Eastern Mind]

Vannakkam Krsna Das:

So then could you give some examples of some specific actions that ARE karma yoga.

Aum Namasivaya