Importance of Karmayoga in the context of Spiritual practice

A verse by Saint Kabir says, ‘By performing karma, a nar (man) gets transformed into Narayan (God)’. God helps only those who toil till they are exhausted while performing a karma, not others. By performing karma (making attempts) with complete knowledge, Parameshwar (Supreme God) is attained. If every karma being performed is commenced only after imbibing good sanskars (Subconscious impression), the ensuing process is also virtuous. As a result, we can always obtain the benefit of Chaitanya (Divine consciousness).

1. Karmayoga teaches how karma performed
by us can beneficially lead towards self-realization

Every individual knowingly or unknowingly keeps performing some or the other karma constantly, for example, unintentional killing of insects, ants, worms etc., which get crushed under the feet while walking; killing of micro-organisms during inhalation. This means that, karma will continue and so will the development of the related sanskars on the subconscious mind. Despite this, Karmayoga teaches us how not to develop sanskars while performing karma and how to get liberated from bondage of sanskars. It also teaches which karma is appropriate and how to perform it. In short, even if the soul performs no karma, yet man cannot remain without performing karma. Karmayoga, therefore, teaches us how to direct karma performed by us towards self-realization.

2. Performing karma for purification of the subconscious mind

‘No activity is possible without ego. Ego is an obstacle, while doer ship is ego. This makes the subconscious mind impure. Thus for the purification of the chitta, performing karma is essential.’ – From ‘Shrimadbhagwadgeeta, Adhyaya 2’ written by Gurudev Dr Kateswamiji

3. Karmayoga is important to become sattvik (Sattva predominant)

Diverting the flow of the Raja component away from family life and connecting it with God by bringing about a change in attitude, is the prime objective of nishkam-karma (Path of Action without expectations). Since the sacrifice of fruit (Consequence) of karma is connected with God, the flow of the Raja component diverted to God automatically transforms into Sattva component. Renouncing naturally leads to awareness of the Sattva component and subsequently by gaining knowledge, renouncing doer ship and duty also becomes possible.

4. Karmayoga means the revelation
of sakshittva (Attitude of a spectator)

‘Mind and body organs (motor and sensory) perform karmas. The soul does not perform any karma; this is not possible either. The body performs visible karma, carries out movements, but the soul remains unblemished and inactive. Anything may happen to the body – it may collapse, die, burn; but the soul remains unblemished. The perception that ‘I am the body’ generates doer ship. In deep sleep, there is no awareness of the body. Where is the doer ship then ? Karma performed with sakshittva is unblemished. Since there is no doer, there is neither grief nor sin.’ – From ‘Shrimadbhagwadgeeta, Adhyaya 2’ written by Gurudev Dr Kateswamiji

‘God is devoid of ego. He is detached and without expectations, and hence, He remains unblemished. Only he who has no ego has no expectations and is unblemished. The ego of such an individual reduces gradually, and simultaneously he begins to get liberated from the bondage of karma. Then karma can no longer bind him.’ – Gurudev Dr Kateswamiji

5. Karmayoga cures bhavarog (Cycles of birth & death)

‘Whoever performs karma with no attachment to the fruits of the karma attains the pure state of ‘anamay’. The word ‘anamay’ is derived thus – ‘an’ + ‘amay’. ‘Amay’ means disease, ‘an’ means without. Here, the disease is bhavarog. Thus, ‘anamay’ is the stage where there is no bhavarog.’ – From ‘Shrimadbhagwadgeeta, Adhyaya 2’ written by Gurudev Dr Kateswamiji

6. It is necessary to perform karma, bearing in mind
that if wise display good conduct, even the unwise shall follow

Verily by karma alone, King Janak and others attained siddhis; also, simply with the view for guidance of men, you should perform karma. King Janak and others, whose antahkaran was purified by karmas, attained self-realisation, meaning, they attained all round knowledge. If I perform a karma, all associated people will perform karma, else the ignorant may emulate the outward behaviour of a highly sattvik enlightened individual, renounce karma, turn tamasik (Tama-predominant) and face ruin.

7. Setting ideals for society

न मे पार्थास्ति कर्तव्यं त्रिषु लोकेषु किंचन ।
नानवाप्तमवाप्तव्यं वर्त एव च कर्मणि ।।

– Shrimadbhagwadgeeta

Meaning: ‘I have, O Partha, no duty, nothing that I have not gained; and nothing that I have to gain in the three worlds; yet, I continue to perform karma.’

Shrikrushna’s life is an ideal example of the types of karmas and how they should be performed. It is essential to set correct ideals before society by one’s own achievements, for the biographies of such icons inspire several future generations. These biographies then go on to become the support of Dharma. This can easily be comprehended from the examples of Shriram and Shrikrushna.

8. Increase in samashti (Society) merit
makes the Nation righteous and prosperous

‘Karmayoga has greater importance to the universe, meaning, it is a cause for increasing samashti merit. As a result, along with increase of faith in the Guru, dedication unto the Nation also increases; that leads to the Nation becoming righteous and prosperous. Hence, Karmayoga is superior.’ – H.H. Kane Maharaj, Narayangaon, District Pune, Maharashtra.

Reference: Sanatan’s Holy text ‘Introduction to Karmayoga’