Karma Yoga, Non-attachment and Liberation

Unless The Lord builds the house, its builder labors in vain. Unless The Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. - Psalm 127:1

 

The word ‘yoga’ comes from the ancient Sanskrit language and is etymologically related to our English “to yoke.”  It refers to any means by which we can reconnect our individual beings with Being.  “God” as Being is never really separate from who and what we are, instead this sense of separateness exists within our minds and is the foundation of the ego or false self.  Yoga techniques work primarily with the mind.  Not in the sense of intellectual education but more in the sense of helping us to differentiate our conscious essence from the mind.  As Rishi Patanjali explains, “Yoga means bringing the patterns of mind into a state of stillness, wherein one can recognize one’s true self-nature.” 

The practice of yoga does not require a withdrawal from life.  Karma yoga is the yoga of action, of heartfelt service in this world.  At the same time it is joined with an attitude of non-attachment.  With yoga practice we are always balancing between two extremes.  We are learning not to be conditioned by the world as it appears to be, nor to escape into some artificial transcendence.  In meditation we can connect with a tremendous sense of bliss, this is our self-essence: being-consciousness-bliss.  It is very, very nice, however as long as we are in this life we cannot just stay there.  Instead we have to bring this bliss, this love and joy into actuality in this world.  Be mindful of all the darkness in the world but, turn up your own light.  “Be the change . . .”

In the Bhagavad Gita this whole dilemma is addressed brilliantly.  Arjuna, a warrior General feels despondent on the eve of an epic civil war.  He ponders the possibility of withdrawing from battle.  He questions the meaning of life and existence.  And he wonders about the nature of the soul.  His mentor, Krishna, just happens to be a Divine Avatar.  He helps Arjuna to understand the spiritual path of non-attached action, Karma Yoga.  It simply means committing to the action that is right for the time without worrying about the outcome.  Leave the outcome up to God.  Things may not turn out the way we think they should be, but they always turn out for the best.  “Fulfill all of your duties;” says Krishna. “Action is better than inaction.  Even to maintain your body, Arjuna, you are obliged to act.  Selfish action imprisons the world.  Act selflessly, without any thought of personal profit.” 

Is this even possible?  It takes practice.  Meditation is essential.  Practice yoga and meditation regularly to help stabilize your consciousness in Self-essence.  Use the rest of your time to practice karma yoga.  Of course, be sure to get enough nourishment and sleep.  Take care of your physical vehicle.  Practice prayer and devotional song.  Read and contemplate spiritual literature.  These are all important aspects of yoga.  Non-attachment grows naturally out of on-going meditation practice.  We learn that the objects of the world have little or nothing to do with our inner state of total well-being.  We might not be able to fix the world, but we might be able to communicate this deeper awareness to others. 

Then again, action without attachment is very powerful.  Who knows what is possible?