Karma yoga, or the yoga of action, is often explained as “right action”. Doing the right thing, regardless of personal desires and without attachment to the result, is karma yoga.
In our lives, we have an opportunity to make major changes from the minute everyday actions we take to the larger gestures and institutions that govern our society. What will we choose?
In the Bhagavad Gita, the hero, Arjuna, is asked to fight his cousins on the battlefield. He feels a massive internal conflict in this situation. Arjuna he asks Krishna, his charioteer, representing Divine Spirit, what to do. What is the right action to take? Knowing that what he does will affect not only himself but countless others he is stuck. on the one hand, fighting for his immediate family, which is his duty, and on the other hand, this means killing other beings, which is in conflict with his value of ahimsa, or non-harming. Krishna gives several answers relating to different paths of yoga, and in the end, says that Arjuna will fulfill his destiny and act according to his nature. How does this story relate to everyday life and what is happening around us now?
Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield
Self-study leading to conscious actions
With all of the changes regarding climate, health, politics, social justice, activism, and societal renewal, we are being asked, nay, forced, to re-examine our beliefs, relationships and how we show up in the world. What we do and say has consequences, far-reaching ones, and many we may be unaware of. Fortunately for yogis, self-study/Self-study is part of the ongoing practice and It’s not supposed to be comfortable. Yoga is a process of self-transformation. I’m sure you have heard that outside the comfort zone is where growth happens. And what is life except birth, growth, decay and death? Babaji says, “Life is for learning and learning never stops.” Learning is a process that is full of mistakes. It’s a journey and at the end we are in a new place. Our view of ourselves may shift and expand. We may realize that what we thought previously to be true was untrue. i.e. I thought I couldn’t do X. and then I learned to do it. Shift happens. 🙂
When I notice that I am moving through a wide array of emotions in a short period of time, I recognize that this process is exhausting and deep self-care is needed. Time in nature, away from screens, is rejuvenating. Exercise, talks with trusted friends, warm baths, art, the list goes on. It also helps me during these turbulent times to remember that it won’t always be like this and, I’ve lived through challenging times before and survived. I can observe which thought patterns are arising and notice that they are patterns. I can choose what to focus on and what to believe.
Yoga is the calming of the thought waves of the mind. Yoga Sutra 1:2.
The Aim of Yoga Practice
The aim of the practice is peace, the purpose of it is to be able to see that thoughts, feelings, sensations, beliefs etc. come and go like clouds across the sky. Yoga is not about doing asanas to “feel good”. That is not the point at all. The point is to be able to sit (both literally and figuratively) with what is, internal and external, whether we like it or not, whether it’s pleasing or painful, simply to observe. Observe how transient this life and these moments are. In this way we can know better the nature of our thoughts (true or untrue, relatively true) our feelings and sensations (created by thoughts, primary emotions or external stimuli), what drives our behaviours, our attachments… in short, what is lasting or “real” or True, as the yogis say (Self, the spirit) and what is temporary or “unreal” (thoughts, sensations, physical bodies etc.).
The Capital “S” Self and its role
Of course physical bodies and thoughts do exist in this physical world, they are “real” in one sense, however in this context we are seeking the True Self, that which doesn’t change. Once we are able to witness all parts of ourselves, then we can act from a place of inspiration and wisdom as opposed to shortsighted self-interest. Indeed, the capital S Self in yoga is often described as our spiritual aspect, the part of us that is united with all others, and the little s self is our individual ego/identity/personality. When Self is in the driver’s seat, the aim is peace and when self is in the driver’s seat, the aim is usually pleasure and avoiding pain, self-interest rather than Self-interest, which includes all interests. To run from pain towards pleasure is an illusion because pleasure and pain are two sides of the same coin. Thus the practice is learning to be with whatever is happening in the moment. then be able to check in and listen deeply for what action is needed. This doesn’t mean torturing oneself by sitting for long periods of time causing physical pain to the body. It means being able to discern when the physical body truly needs to move and when the self is creating a distraction to avoid feeling something unpleasant or that doesn’t fit with its self-image. Life-affirming Self, on behalf of all, can provide guidance that nourishes on all levels if we are listening.
Practice paying attention
It is a process and that’s why we call it a yoga practice. Practice makes progress, if we choose to pay attention. Much can happen on the yoga mat, and more directly in my experience the insights happen on the meditation cushion. It is imperative that we choose with discernment to what we pay attention. How to start?
Paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, without judgement.
This is Jon Kabat-Zin’s definition of mindfulness. Start with observing one breath at a time. It’s very simple, and don’t be fooled, it is NOT easy. This practice supports us being able to act with consideration of all the implications of our actions, and to navigate challenging situations with grace. We can become more aware of the unconscious biases and conditioning that colours our world view and our behaviours. Over time, we become more tolerant of our own discomfort when we recognize parts of ourselves we don’t want to own, nd awe stop projecting these parts onto other people (or at least get better at seeing when we are projecting) and we become more compassionate towards ourselves as humans. This compassion then extends outwards to others. Mindfulness is a tool that is immensely useful.
When someone decides they want to become a better person, that is the beginning of yoga.
If you work on yoga, yoga will work on you.
– Baba Hari Dass
Our lives all depend on learning to coexist peacefully and respectfully. May we all be gentle with ourselves during this time of change and growth.
May you be filled with loving kindness,
May you be well,
May you be peaceful and at ease,
May you be happy.
