StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

The Study of Yoga Karma - Article Example

Cite this document
Summary
The paper "The Study of Yoga Karma" discusses that most individuals have pondered the thought of getting happiness through various methods. While doing so, some have pursued the goal of moneymaking, while others have gone beyond to usher in the era of self-esteem and pride…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER92.8% of users find it useful
The Study of Yoga Karma
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "The Study of Yoga Karma"

Karma Yoga Introduction Most individuals have pondered over the thought of getting happiness through various methods in this world. While doing so some have pursued the goal of moneymaking, others have gone beyond to usher in the era of self-esteem and pride. However, after acquiring such material goals, the human being feels a sense of emptiness again, as the person realizes that this does not lead to the ultimate happiness. Accordingly, Indian ways of spirituality have defined different paths of life that lead the person to the goal of attaining pure happiness and peace, although many find it alluring. This paper shall discuss briefly the universal paths prescribed by different Indian sacred scriptures like Bhagvad Geeta, while focusing on the path of Action called “Karma Yoga”. Meaning of Yoga Yoga being a Sanskrit word means “to become one” or “to unite”. In simpler words, it refers to the guidelines prescribed for union of a human being with the creator of this world. It is believed that such union brings the ultimate peace and happiness, which cannot be described in material words. Since divinity is within the human body and mind, yoga teaches the person to explore this divinity and seek union with it, while wondering within the confines of individual mind. Accordingly, Yoga refers to the techniques and attitudes as well as way of life that can free the human being from bondage of suffering as well as life and death. Indian scriptures are full of such detailed techniques as interpreted by many intellectuals like Ram Krishna Parmahans, Swami Vivekanand in the past as well as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during the present times. Universal paths of yoga According to Indian philosophy, there are mainly three paths, which can take a person to the ultimate goal of self-realization. As different paths of a mountain lead to the peak, the three paths can lead to this goal, either individually or collectively. The three paths are Jnana Yoga that means path of knowledge, Karma Yoga that means path of action without any selfish motives, Bhakhti Yoga that means path of complete surrender through devotion. Baghvad Geeta has summarized all three yogas and their techniques as well as virtues, as spoken by Lord Krishna while delivering sermons to young warrior Arjun in the battlefield. All three yogas are complimentary to each other and a true seeker would need practicing one or the other during the voyage to self-realization. In addition, the Raaja Yoga, that is the path of meditation, also leads to the final goal of self-realization. Path of action-karma Yoga As Karma means action, Karma Yoga specifies the path of action. Discussing on the importance of action in a life of any seeker, Lord Krishna has clarified in Baghvad Geeta that taking proper action is essential, instead of being action-less. However, action without a positive focused direction is dangerous and harmful. In addition, Karma Yoga lays emphasis on action that must be taken with both the mind and the body. For example, Arjun felt helpless in the battlefield of Kurukhetra, as he opined that fighting against his own close realties and teachers would be the most shameful act for him. Accordingly, he laid down his arms and wanted to retreat from the battlefield. Lord Krishna motivated Arjun to take up arms again and fight, as the fight would be against the evil and not the material men. Karma Yoga guides the seeker on the perceptions of right and wrong action. It takes the human being to a mental level where the person can distinguish between the two in a clear and focused manner. In addition, Karma Yoga also teaches about the action of thought, which emphasizes on the result of any thought perceiving some action to be equal to taking the action itself. Action and inaction The above leads the person to know the difference between action and inaction. Bahgwad Geeta clarifies that even the wishful thinking of performing an action equals to the action being actually taken. Hence, taking only the appropriate action leads the person to desired goal. Similarly, inaction like the hesitation of Arjun to fight in the beginning is not righteous and can cause harm to the seeker. An action, which is focused in the right direction, is always needed and preferred to the “inaction”. Cause of Karma As every human being is blessed with five senses through which the person perceives the material world, these are responsible for the action taken by the individual at various stages. For example, when a person fancies a tasty food specialty, this becomes the cause of action for this human being to eat such food for satisfying the taste buds of tongue. Similarly, when eyes would like to visit and view a certain show, the person is pursued to take the action for going to the show. Ear, nose and other senses of human body remain the cause of action. Mind takes orders from these senses to compel the human being for taking the desired action. Kinds of karma The Sanchita Karma details about the various acts performed by individuals in the previous births. As the person has no control over them, they remain dormant in the subconscious mind. Prarabhda Karma. is the action, which results from acts done in past lives. A person is set to perform such action and cannot escape it. Some people name it as destiny. Purshartha karma results form deliberate action taken by the human being during the current life cycle. Such action leads to sanchita and prarabadha Karma for future lives. Three Gunas-Modes of nature Sattava, Rajas and tamas are the three modes of nature that define each individual in this world. Sattava defines purity in action and thought, harmony, peace and serenity. Rajas defines the nature of a person who is always ambitious and wants to acquire material comforts, without any end to such desire. Tamas depicts the nature of a person who is ignorant, forgetful, thought-less, indiscriminate and lazy, as well as gloomy and always restless. Such a person remains confined to illusion. (Krishnaswami, nd) Practice of karma Yoga Any action done without desiring to cherish its fruits is the true practice of Karma Yoga. Self less service and belief in the ideal of “work is worship” define the perfect practice of Karma Yoga. In the present world, many philanthropists like Bill and Melinda Gates are true karma Yogis. Works Cited Krishnaswami. O. R. (nd). “Karma Yoga: Yoga of Action.” Retrieved on April 12, 2015, from: http://writer.academia-research.com/file/get/instr/1249798/file/karma_yoga_book_by_o.r.krishnaswami-2.doc Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Karma Yoga Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words”, n.d.)
Karma Yoga Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/religion-and-theology/1688453-karma-yoga
(Karma Yoga Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words)
Karma Yoga Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words. https://studentshare.org/religion-and-theology/1688453-karma-yoga.
“Karma Yoga Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/religion-and-theology/1688453-karma-yoga.
  • Cited: 1 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF The Study of Yoga Karma

Indian Philosophy: Hindu Philosophy, Buddhist Philosophy, and Jain Philosophy

Traditionally, the actual Hindu Philosophy is referred to as orthodox (Astika) comprising of Nyaya, Vaisesika, Samkhya, yoga, Purva mimamsa and Vedanta schools of thought whereas Jain, Buddhist and materialist (Cārvāka) are viewed as non-orthodox (Nastika).... Indian Philosophy, identifies some of various practices associated with philosophical concepts which has come from the Indian native subcontinent....
16 Pages (4000 words) Essay

Bhakti and Karma in the Bhagavad Gita

The present paper entitled "Bhakti and karma in the Bhagavad Gita" explores the ideas of Hinduism.... As the author puts it, the word 'karma' denotes 'action'.... The person who practices the Path of Right Action is called the 'karma Yogi'.... A person who does his duties following the karma Yoga is ultimately able to attain the Supreme Creator.... In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Shri Krishna specifies another path for the human race to achieve salvation: 'The Path of Bhakti' or 'Bhakti yoga'....
10 Pages (2500 words) Research Paper

Types of Yoga in Hinduism and Their Functions

The author of the paper "Types of yoga in Hinduism and Their Functions" will begin with the statement that yoga is a practice of exercising the mind, body, and soul together to achieve a perfect balance between physiological and psychological functions (Crangle, p.... The evolution of yoga, its types, and its bases will be studied through the available literature.... These differential practices are different forms of yoga.... ypes of yoga: ...
7 Pages (1750 words) Research Paper

Vedanta and Yoga

Hinduism also comprises of prescriptions, philosophies, laws and practices based on societal norms, dharma and karma with regards to daily morals.... This paper seeks to outline ways in which the Vedanta and yoga introduced a revolutionary new aspect to Hindu religion.... Vedanta encompasses the theoretical foundation of classical Hinduism formed from Upanishads whereas yoga entails the yoga Sutras of Patanjali approaches in generic Hinduism....
8 Pages (2000 words) Essay

Karma-Yoga and Bhakti-Yoga

Subject: Essay, Religion and Theology Date: Topic: Report on Religious Field Research Two volunteers of the Organization were waiting for us at the entrance.... “Welcome Sir, thank you for coming.... We have been expecting you”, one of them said with utmost courtesy.... ... ... ... Then he led us to the “Spiritual Discourses Hall” and some seats were reserved for us in the front row....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

Hinduism & Jainism

Jnana yoga karma Yoga Bhakti Yoga Raja YogaJainismExplain the Meaning of the NameJnana means ‘wisdom' or ‘discernment'.... karma yoga directs one to serve god and humanity without selfishness, egoism and attachment and thus achieve attunement and unification with God (Ledgerwood, n.... There are different ways to attain salvation in Hinduism, for example the four Yogas – Raja Yoga, karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga.... Direct inquiry and careful study is the form of meditation practices in this yoga (Ledgerwood, n....
1 Pages (250 words) Assignment

Response to Smiths positions in The Worlds Religions

karma Yoga burdens one's work, which reduces egotism.... Interestingly, the way to freedom and supernatural union is through a system for training called yoga.... Jnana yoga is planned for profound competitors who have an in number scholarly twisted.... Bhakti yoga depends on commitment and affection for God....
5 Pages (1250 words) Essay

The History of Hinduism

The main focus of the paper "The History of Hinduism" is on examining such points as philosophical views, history of Hinduism, cultures of India, Japan, Nepal, and Tibet, beliefs of the Hindu religion, reincarnation, the benefits of Hinduism as a religion, combination of traditions and cultures.... ...
11 Pages (2750 words) Essay
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us