Karma Yoga lays emphasis on selfless action and service. The underlying message of Karma Yoga is very clear- humans must always work in harmony with the great power that controls and runs the universe. If we follow this we are no longer egotistically motivated. At the same time we no longer maintain obsessive desires in relation to the future. With the eradication of compulsive or obsessive desire, we are able to live in the present and at the same time can plan for the future. This planning about future is independent of boundation to the future. We all know that every logical desire carries within itself the motive force for its fulfillment i.e. while doing different works we tend to think about their results in future. In the process we are subconsciously pushed towards it or attract it to ourselves.
The most important aspect of the Yogic philosophy is that it is not against intelligent planning. It lays emphasis only on relinquishing egotistic desires. In this way we are more open to practical aspects of inner guidance. As we work with a cheerful attitude, doing what we are best suited to do, we know a harmony and an inner peace which those who strive and struggle can never know.
Karma Yog Benefits
Brings down stress and enhances powers of relaxation
Boosts physical strength, stamina and flexibility
Bestows greater powers of concentration and self control
Intensifies tolerance to pain and enhancing mental clarity
Inculcates impulse Control
Boosts functioning of the immune system
Enhances posture and muscle tone
Improves blood circulation
Results in healthy, glowing skin
Cleanses and improves overall organ functioning
Bestows peace of mind and a more positive outlook to life
Infuses a sense of balance and internal harmony
Karma Yoga is based on the concept of Karma. Karma stands for everything that we are not conscious of; that which we do not fully understand, or do not see for what it is. Things are seldom experienced for what they truly are, but rather for what we consider them to be. By the univeral law of karma, good actions beget good results and evil actions produce evil results. Intention is everything. One does not suffer for unintended evil actions, and one is rewarded for good intentions.
The emphasis of Karma Yoga is not of tracking good and bad deeds, however. Rather, the emphasis is on non-attachment; on action performed with full attention in the here and now. Karma Yoga is wisdom in work and action. The Karma yogin sees, experiences, and confronts everything with great awareness - sees it as it is, never judges. Nothing is either attractive or repulsive, it simply is. S/He creates no future Karma, s/he simply lives; with actions marked by poise of body, mind and spirit. Mahatma Gandhi exemplified the spirit of Karma Yoga.
