Practice Of Karma Yoga

This document is a comprehensive summary of the book "Practice of Karma Yoga" by Swami Sivananda, published by The Divine Life Society. The book is dedicated to selfless workers who strive for self-knowledge through "Nishkamya Karma Yoga," which translates to selfless action without attachment to results.

The book is structured into eight chapters, covering various aspects of Karma Yoga, universal laws, and spiritual practices.

Chapter 1: Yoga of Service This chapter delves into the essence of Karma Yoga, defining God as Satchitananda and emphasizing service to humanity as service to God. It highlights the purification of the heart through selfless action, the development of virtues like humility and love, and the annihilation of egoism. The text stresses that work is worship and that the mental attitude (Bhav) transforms all actions into a spiritual practice. It criticizes those who avoid menial tasks, asserting that the kitchen of an Ashram is the best training ground for developing virtues. The chapter also discusses the importance of balanced and equanimous mind, non-attachment to the fruits of actions, and dedicating all actions to God (Ishwararpana). It explains that Karma Yoga purifies the mind and prepares it for the knowledge of the Self, which is the ultimate means to liberation. The qualifications of a Karma Yogi are detailed, including freedom from lust, greed, anger, egoism, humility, fearlessness, and control over the senses. The author advocates for simple living, selfless service, and unwavering faith in God and scriptures.

Chapter 2: Universal Laws This chapter explores the fundamental laws of nature that govern the universe, including the Law of Karma, Law of Causation, Law of Action and Reaction, Law of Compensation, Law of Retribution, and Law of Resistance. It explains that these laws operate with unerring precision, shaping our destiny through our thoughts, words, and actions. The text clarifies that Karma is not fatalism; rather, it emphasizes that man has free will to change his destiny through conscious effort (Purushartha). The chapter debunks the Western theory of evolution from mineral to human, asserting that true evolution is the progress of the thinker towards realizing the Self. It explains the concept of Sanchita Karma (accumulated actions), Prarabdha Karma (actions ripe for fruition), and Kriyaman Karma (current actions), and how understanding these laws can lead to a virtuous life and spiritual liberation.

Chapter 3: Swadharma This chapter defines Swadharma as one's own duty in accordance with one's caste (Varna) and stage of life (Ashrama), guided by innate qualities (Gunas). It emphasizes that the practice of Swadharma leads to liberation and exaltation. The text discusses the duties of different castes and stages of life, highlighting the importance of right conduct (Achara) as the mark of Dharma. It emphasizes that Self-realization can be attained through the diligent performance of one's own duties without attachment. The chapter includes inspiring anecdotes about Tiruvalluvar and a butcher, illustrating how selfless service and devotion to duty can lead to spiritual enlightenment. It also clarifies that morality and duty are relative and can change based on circumstances, time, and one's spiritual evolution. The operation of the three Gunas (Sattwa, Rajas, Tamas) and their influence on actions and character is explained, along with practical instructions for aspirants to eradicate defects like pride, irritability, and self-assertiveness. The chapter also highlights the importance of controlling the Karma Indriyas (organs of action) and the mind.

Chapter 4: Karma and Freedom This chapter addresses the age-old debate between free will and fatalism. It asserts that man is a free agent, capable of shaping his own destiny through right exertion and right thinking, inspired by the eternal freedom of the Self. The text clarifies the philosophical distinction between right and wrong actions, emphasizing that they are relative and depend on circumstances, Sastras, and the guidance of a Guru or conscience. The chapter explains the concept of "As you sow, so shall you reap," highlighting that every action, thought, and desire creates impressions that shape future experiences. It asserts that man can outgrow unfavorable environments through strong will and determination, and that destiny is not predetermined but is a result of one's own past and present actions. The author strongly advocates for Purushartha (self-effort) over fatalism, emphasizing that man is the master of his destiny.

Chapter 5: Karma and Reincarnation This chapter delves into the doctrine of Karma and Reincarnation, explaining how actions influence future births and experiences. It classifies Karmas into good, bad, and mixed, detailing their results in terms of mental purification, suffering, and rebirth into various states of existence. The chapter criticizes the Western theory of evolution, asserting that true evolution is the spiritual progress of the thinker. It reaffirms the reality of reincarnation, supported by philosophical arguments and anecdotal evidence. The text also discusses lawful (Vidhi) and forbidden (Nishedha) actions, and the three kinds of Karma: Sanchita (accumulated), Prarabdha (ripe), and Agami (current). It emphasizes that sin is merely a mistake born of ignorance and that the knowledge of the Self, coupled with selfless action, can purify the mind and lead to liberation. The chapter concludes by discussing the philosophical nuances of Purushartha versus Prarabdha, asserting that both are intertwined and that man, through conscious effort and self-surrender, can influence his destiny.

Chapter 6: Garland of Karma Yoga This chapter presents the four paths to union with God: Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Raja Yoga (psychic control), Jnana Yoga (knowledge), and Karma Yoga (selfless action). It highlights that these paths are not mutually exclusive and can be combined for spiritual growth. The text emphasizes the importance of living up to one's ideal, pursuing selfless service, and developing "Karma Nishtha" (steadfastness in action). It explains the concept of transcending the "Dwandas" (pairs of opposites) and achieving a state of "Naishkarmya" (actionlessness in action) through detachment and wisdom. The chapter also stresses the importance of meditation and action, the necessity of killing desire, and the crucial role of Brahmacharya (celibacy) in spiritual progress. It criticizes the superficiality of mere outward show among some Sannyasins and advocates for practical Vedanta through selfless service to humanity. The chapter provides practical instructions for cultivating virtues and eradicating vices, and emphasizes the importance of simplicity, control over the senses, and unwavering faith.

Chapter 7: Karma Yoga in the Gita This chapter focuses on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita regarding Karma Yoga. It explains the concept of the "Wheel of the Universe," where actions performed for sacrifice (Yajna) lead to purification and liberation. The text emphasizes the scope for personal exertion (Purushartha) to overcome nature and achieve spiritual freedom, refuting fatalistic interpretations of Karma. It clarifies the distinction between action and inaction, and the roles of the actor and Prakriti (nature) in performing actions. The chapter highlights the importance of self-surrender to God and explains why Karma Yoga is considered superior to mere renunciation of action. It details the three types of actions (Sattwic, Rajasic, and Tamasic) and the qualities of the actors performing them. The core message is that by performing actions without attachment, dedicating them to the Divine, and cultivating wisdom, one can transcend the bondage of Karma and attain liberation.

Chapter 8: Inspiring Stories This chapter concludes the book with a collection of inspiring stories that illustrate the principles of Karma Yoga and spiritual life. These stories include the exemplary life of Tiruvalluvar and his devoted wife Vasuki, demonstrating the glory of an ideal householder; the story of a Bania and a Sadhu, highlighting the importance of inner purity for spiritual initiation; the esoteric interpretation of Raja Gopichand's instructions; the tale of a Pandit and a Chandala, illustrating the folly of caste pride; the parable of the jolly ant and the miserable ant, emphasizing the power of good company and purification; the wisdom of Raja Janak, an ideal Karma-Jnana-Yogi who lived in the world yet remained detached; the story of a bird family's supreme self-sacrifice; and the tale of a mongoose that tested the authenticity of a sacrifice. These narratives aim to provide practical examples and inspiration for readers to cultivate virtues like selflessness, devotion, humility, and the spirit of sacrifice in their own lives.

The book also includes an Appendix with special instructions for Karma Yogis, emphasizing seeing God in all, repetition of the Lord's Name, Sattwic diet, control of senses, self-surrender, and the importance of a spiritual diary for self-improvement. It lists virtues to be cultivated and vices to be eradicated.

In essence, "Practice of Karma Yoga" by Swami Sivananda is a comprehensive guide that aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and practical tools to live a spiritual life while actively engaging in the world, transforming everyday actions into a path of self-purification, divine realization, and ultimate liberation.