KARMA YOGA

 

The word Karma, in Sanskrit, means Action. Good actions, good karmas. It is the law of Action and Reaction. Planting good things means reaping good things, but it depends on our intention. Doing something good and hoping that this will bring good results is also not well regarded, as there is an interest behind this action. In the philosophy of yoga, as stated in the sacred Hindu book, Bhagavad Gita, the action of karma, or Karma Yoga, must be a disinterested action, that is, not thinking about the fruits.

Because if I do something good for someone and expect that person to reciprocate, this is not a good action, in the view of yoga. To really be a good action, you must act with your heart and without interest in rewards. Nowadays, in our society, we see many people acting with their own interests, or with many expectations in return. In affective relationships we have examples of people who give a lot to their partners, and in return demand something in exchange, which often may not happen, and this person who gave a lot gets upset and suffers from their frustrated expectations. If you give, give without expectations.

The truth is that this Law of Karma, or the Law of Return says that WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES BACK!

Another important point of this Law, in addition to the lack of interest in the fruits of our actions, is the intention in each action. Many times we can say something unintentionally, or harm someone without knowing what we are doing, or we were manipulated, in any case, if we didn't have the real intention of hurting the other, it doesn't count as bad karma. But when we hurt someone out of revenge, or out of envy and we know that our action will harm the other, then yes, the law of action and reaction comes into force. Good or bad, your intention is what counts. And you will deserve good or bad harvests, the choice is yours. 

          When we practice charity with the intention of just helping an institution, animals, or even helping a person, doing an act of love and compassion, it is the best example of detachment from the harvest. Our intention is not to have something in return, but to help the whole. Donation is abundance. The more we give, the more we fill ourselves with the energy of abundance in our lives. If you can help, help and share your privileges with those you would like to help. This reminds me of another point: Be Grateful! Gratitude is also a portal of abundance and good things in our lives.

One of the principles of Yoga, which is also contained in the book Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, two of the most important books on Yoga, we need to learn to soften the mind, control our thoughts and this happens through meditation and self-observation. Yoga practices, both meditation and asanas, physical practice, lead us to a meditative and self-observant state. We are present in our body and mind, paying attention to our practice. Softening the mind will bring us balance, inner peace, stability in the ups and downs of life. Buddhism also talks about the Equanimity of the mind. These are important elements so that we can achieve fulfillment as a human being and know how to measure our actions, so that we increasingly feel free and happy. I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about the philosophies of yoga, which help me understand so many things in my own life. Namaste