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Thursday, December 22, 2005
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
sin more detail, starting with Karma Yoga.
Popularised as an alternative to renunciation, it addresses householders whose duties and responsibilities pre-empt sanyas. With the characteristically inclusive mind of the seer, it was understood that spirituality could be pursued from any situation, for it is a question of refining inner qualities. Those of us caught up in the whirl of action have as much chance of gaining enlightenment as the anchorite on his distant Himalayan peak.
But how?
The crux of the Karma Yoga premise as stated in the Bhagvad Gita, is nishkama karma: detached action. Act, says the Gita, but dedicate the fruit of the action to God. We have the right to act, but we do not have the right to the outcome.
Awareness and acceptance of this will enable us to act without incurring the negative karma that entangles us into samsara (the illusion of worldly life).
This is how it works. Assume you are studying for the most important exam of your life. If your mind keeps dwelling on the result, whether negative or positive, you will feel fearful and pressured.
Your focus and concentration will suffer, making you further fearful. With nishkama karma, your full attention will be on your study, which is all you can control.
You will not waste even a fleeting thought on the result, for that is not your job.
Obviously, you stand a better chance of doing well because your energy is focused in the right direction. However, even if you don't pass the exam, you will not be swept by a wave of negative emotion. You accept God's will and determine to try again, this time harder.
How easy is this to do?
Very, very hard. But not impossible. The most important thing is awareness that you truly cannot control outcome. We fall in love and we want the other to love us - but we don't have control. Control? Even our next moment is forfeit. All we have is control over this moment.
Deep core awareness of this truth will shift attitude.
Second is discipline and will. To focus on what we can control and detach from what we cannot, requires effort and will. If will is lacking, despair not. Re-programme your subconscious mind as often as you can, while eating, walking, working, with suggestions that your will is perfect and strong. It will take time, but it will work.
Third is faith. Know that God is. And that it is not your will but Divine Will that runs the show. Living in alignment with God's will is the only way to live a happy and peaceful life.
Fourth and most important, do your inner work. Become aware of your thoughts, feelings and actions and accept them.
This will eliminate negative conditioning and free you to experience detachment and surrender.
When these are in place, your actions will be powerful, effective and positive. And so will you.
Popularised as an alternative to renunciation, it addresses householders whose duties and responsibilities pre-empt sanyas. With the characteristically inclusive mind of the seer, it was understood that spirituality could be pursued from any situation, for it is a question of refining inner qualities. Those of us caught up in the whirl of action have as much chance of gaining enlightenment as the anchorite on his distant Himalayan peak.
But how?
The crux of the Karma Yoga premise as stated in the Bhagvad Gita, is nishkama karma: detached action. Act, says the Gita, but dedicate the fruit of the action to God. We have the right to act, but we do not have the right to the outcome.
Awareness and acceptance of this will enable us to act without incurring the negative karma that entangles us into samsara (the illusion of worldly life).
This is how it works. Assume you are studying for the most important exam of your life. If your mind keeps dwelling on the result, whether negative or positive, you will feel fearful and pressured.
Your focus and concentration will suffer, making you further fearful. With nishkama karma, your full attention will be on your study, which is all you can control.
You will not waste even a fleeting thought on the result, for that is not your job.
Obviously, you stand a better chance of doing well because your energy is focused in the right direction. However, even if you don't pass the exam, you will not be swept by a wave of negative emotion. You accept God's will and determine to try again, this time harder.
How easy is this to do?
Very, very hard. But not impossible. The most important thing is awareness that you truly cannot control outcome. We fall in love and we want the other to love us - but we don't have control. Control? Even our next moment is forfeit. All we have is control over this moment.
Deep core awareness of this truth will shift attitude.
Second is discipline and will. To focus on what we can control and detach from what we cannot, requires effort and will. If will is lacking, despair not. Re-programme your subconscious mind as often as you can, while eating, walking, working, with suggestions that your will is perfect and strong. It will take time, but it will work.
Third is faith. Know that God is. And that it is not your will but Divine Will that runs the show. Living in alignment with God's will is the only way to live a happy and peaceful life.
Fourth and most important, do your inner work. Become aware of your thoughts, feelings and actions and accept them.
This will eliminate negative conditioning and free you to experience detachment and surrender.
When these are in place, your actions will be powerful, effective and positive. And so will you.
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