by Jayaram V
Karmayoga or Yoga of action is based upon the following principles:
- Man cannot escape from performing actions, howsoever he
may live. Therefore man should not renounce actions.
- True renunciation means renunciation of the desire for the
fruit of ones action, not the action itself.
- The deluded man thinks egoistically that "I am the doer,"
not realizing that it is Nature which engage men in actions
through the triple gunas of sattva (purity), rajas (passion)
and tamas (crudeness).
- actions that are performed out of desire for the fruit of
action and with a sense of doership bind men to the mortal world.
- In performing actions one should follow the example of God
who engages Himself in actions though there is nothing for Him
to do or achieve in all the worlds.
To become perfect in karmayoga a devotee should approach men
of knowledge, prostrate before them and know from them what
is action and what is inaction. He should also cultivate the following
qualities or virtues:
- Detachment.
- Equanimity of the mind
- Elimination or control of desires especially desire for
the fruit of his actions.
- Surrender to God.
- Egolessness
- Single minded devotion to God
Suggested Further Reading
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