Concept and Principles of Karma Yoga
abracad, · Categories: externally authored, karma, yogaAuthor: 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 holy book of the Hindu’s the Bhagavad-Gita and is meant with the “discipline of actionâ€. 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. Hindu’s believe that every individual’s are 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†means “to doâ€. Yoga transforms with the “unionâ€. The literal meaning of karma yoga is “course of union through actionâ€. Even Adi Shankaracharya has said that with practice of karma the mind purifies. Karma yoga is 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 karma yogi with the development of kindness, love, mercy, sympathy and waning of hatred, self-centeredness, jealousy etc.
Karma yoga brings closer to the 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 yogi of all times is Gautama Buddha.
Practicing karma yoga-
Like it is said “charity begins at home.†Similarly one can practice karma yoga in everyday 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 more towards moksha.
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About the Author
Jay Franco has been a Yoga enthusiast since an early age. He is constantly trying to find practical ways of implementing this ancient knowledge into his Western lifestyle.
For immediate access to Jay’s FREE report on "How To Acquire The Yoga Complete Breath" go to: http://www.yogascienceofbreath.com/breath.html
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Filed in: externally authored, karma, yoga
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