Action is a physical necessity as well as a moral obligation of every human being. Without action, one cannot even maintain his physical body. The individual and the creation depend upon each other for survival. ?Action is a physical necessity as well as a moral obligation of every human being. Without action, one cannot even maintain his physical body. The individual and the creation depend upon each other for survival. The universe progresses smoothly because of the co-operation between beings and nature. The wheel of life is thus set in motion. He who does not help in turning this wheel of life, and works only for himself ; lives in vain. It has thus been recommended that all work must be done in the spirit of karma yoga, for the betterment of life.
Karma yoga is a spiritual practice the aim of which is to gain knowledge of the self, one’s true nature. Not being attached to actions and their results, an aspirant for karma yoga performs his duties with an equanimous mind. Equanimity of the mind helps one in subduing his likes and dislikes ; and controlling the incessant desires. Instead of being a slave of his likes and dislikes, and a victim of his impulses ; one is constantly guided by his buddhi, the understanding. Steadfast in the inner composure, such a practitioner of karma yoga works with perfect serenity. As a result, his mind becomes more and more pure. A pure and tranquil mind is receptive to learning. It then becomes easier for one to attain the knowledge of the self. That is why it has been stated that all works culminate in wisdom, knowledge of the self. In other words, karma yoga ultimately leads to gyana, realisation of the self.
An aspirant of karma yoga understands that rewards of his efforts are granted by Ishvara, the Supreme Lord. Whatever he gets, he accepts it gracefully, gladly and with an attitude of gratitude. He is not distressed even under the worst of circumstances. He does the work expected of him without being perturbed by the events in his life or in the world at large. By establishing such a relationship of trust with the Divine, he feels relaxed and free from fear. He attains Ishvara as he performs action only for His sake. He becomes one with the Supreme Lord because truth of the self is not different from the truth of the Supreme Lord.
Endowed with knowledge of the self, one transcends in this very life, both good and evil. One remains ever engaged in doing his assigned work, even while his mind rests in the Supreme.
The one who fails to do the work which he ought to do, not only loses his worldly glory but also incurs sin against God. But the one who treats pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat alike ; undertakes the assigned work with an equanimous mind, he does not suffer any adverse consequences. To work for a right cause is an opportunity that empowers one to attain spiritual freedom. Whether one looks at his prescribed duty from the metaphysical angle or as a social responsibility, it is a privilege which enables one to rise higher and higher.
Work by itself does not bind. What binds is not the action but the selfish attitude towards it. The attitude towards work is as important as the work itself. The question not only is what one does, but also why he does it. What is the motive behind his actions. Therefore, it has been emphasised that every action must be performed with a right attitude. Fulfilment of one’s duties should be treated as worship of Ishvara. Whatever work one is engaged in, should be dedicated to Him. And whatever results one gets must be accepted gladly, as blessings from Him alone. Work done in such a spirit of total surrender to God becomes a yagya. And the work done in the spirit of a yagya can never be a source of bondage.