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KARMA YOGA: Power of Selfless Service - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma Yoga
Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma Yoga: The Power of Selfless Service - With Complete Translation of All Sanskrit Words.
The Practice of Karma Yoga by Sri Swami Sivananda is a comprehensive guide to understanding the art of selfless service through action. The book explores the philosophical foundation, practical aspects, and spiritual significance of Karma Yoga, emphasizing the idea that every action, when performed with the right attitude, becomes a path to spiritual awakening. This detailed guide is not only for advanced spiritual aspirants but also for anyone who wishes to live a life of greater purpose, equanimity, and service to others.
I. Yoga of Service The first part of the book introduces the foundational principles of Karma Yoga, starting with understanding the nature of God and the role of service in spiritual development.
- Who Is God? – This section explores the nature of the Divine, teaching that God is both immanent and transcendent. God is present in every action, person, and situation.
- Yoga of Service – Sri Swami Sivananda emphasizes that the highest form of service is offering all actions as an offering to God, with selfless devotion and without any attachment to results.
- What Is Karma? – Karma is the law of cause and effect. Every action creates an impression that influences the future, and Karma Yoga involves acting without attachment to the consequences.
- Right and Wrong Action – This chapter distinguishes between actions performed with selfish motives and those done with selflessness. Right action is aligned with divine will and the welfare of others.
- Nishkamya Karma Yoga – Nishkamya Karma Yoga is performing one’s duties without desiring personal gain. It is the essence of Karma Yoga, which leads to spiritual growth and liberation.
- Karma Yoga: A Means to Knowledge – This section discusses how selfless action purifies the mind and prepares it for higher knowledge, bringing the practitioner closer to divine wisdom.
- Qualifications of a Karma Yogi – To be a Karma Yogi, one must possess humility, self-control, patience, and devotion. These qualities make the individual capable of performing selfless actions.
- Work Is Worship – Every work done in the right spirit is an act of worship. Swami Sivananda teaches that when you dedicate every task to God, no work is mundane.
- Yoga of Equanimity – Equanimity is essential for a Karma Yogi. Remaining detached from success and failure allows the practitioner to maintain peace amidst all circumstances.
- Poised Reason – The Karma Yogi must develop a steady, calm mind that functions from a place of reason, free from emotional turbulence.
- Work without any Motive – The true practice of Karma Yoga is acting without any expectation of reward. By doing so, the practitioner breaks free from the cycle of desire.
- No Loss in Karma Yoga – There is no failure in Karma Yoga. Every action performed selflessly purifies the mind and brings spiritual growth, regardless of the outcome.
- Health and Yoga – Swami Sivananda highlights the importance of physical health for effective service. A healthy body is essential for the Karma Yogi to continue performing their duties.
- Secret of Karma Yoga – The secret lies in performing every action with the consciousness of God, offering it to the Divine, and not being attached to results.
- Law of Karma – The law of Karma dictates that every action has an effect. Good actions lead to positive outcomes, while harmful actions result in suffering.
- Law of Ca
Published on 11 months, 4 weeks ago