“Karma Yoga means offering each action to the Almighty, or Nature, from where you got the energy to do the actions. Don’t act for yourself. The minute you perform an action for yourself, you are bound. That means: Perform selfless actions—actions taken not for yourself, but for others. Then, you are free from bondage; you become an agent, a trustee, and you can do all types of work. But as long as you feel that you are doing it for your own sake, then you are bound by those actions, good or bad. If you do it for the sake of others, for the sake of humanity, then you are not bound. That’s what is called Karma Yoga.
“God bless you. OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.”
-Swami Satchidananda
Wonderful quote! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have been blessed to have visited with family over the past week, I have to say that my practice and diet have really suffered! Finding the time and the desire to practice and meditate when family is visiting is really challenging. Also, meat was served at most meals and the wine flowed freely. So much for my self-restraint! But, I'm determined to get back on track and look forward to the beautiful benefits of regular practice and watching my diet.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to building a home for a family in need. I have always wanted to do something with Habitat for Humanity. I am grateful for this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I miss all the feminine energy that is abundant at our getherings. We have had friends in town for the past two weeks and its just all testosterone everywhere.
My daily practice is the only thing that gets me through. Without my meditation I feel incomplete.
See you all soon. Namaste
I was asked to do something at work this week. Or rather, I was commanded to do something, and in a rather unkind way. It is a new responsibility, falls into the category of "not my job," outside of the things I normally tend to. The reason for my being given the assignment can easily be perceived as unfair. I began this new task with a decent amount of resentment attached. I was feeling incredibly BOUND by it. However, a few days in, I decided to try my best to perform without any attachment to it. To not do it for the people "making" me do it, not do it because I liked or disliked it - but just do it (to borrow Nike's phrase). Or rather, let God do it through me. And, of course, being suddenly UNBOUND by it, the experience became easier, more peaceful, more joyful. What a beautiful lesson.
ReplyDeleteOn the opposite end of things...Marnie I feel your pain. I have been somewhat besieged by company and have been thrown a little off track with the food and alcohol as well. But it is nice to know how much I look forward to getting back to feeling clean!
What a unique description of bondage. For so long I have felt bound by my obligations in actions required by me on behalf of others, my children, my former husband, my job, my parents, my siblings….even certain friends. To turn that around and to recognize that my bondage was truly about my own feelings of obligation and self importance that I was the one that was feeding my own needs to be loved, needed, wanted…
ReplyDeleteTo act selflessly without a sense of obligation but simply for the love of doing for others without attachment to “what’s in it for me.” Now this is a very different concept and one that I am learning to love and appreciate more and more.
When we learn to let go and let God be in charge this is the outcome- Liberation- freedom to expressively create the reality which serves others which then incidentally and without effort will serve us as well.
So I now stop beating myself up about my “obligations” and move easefully taking one thing at a time and acting selflessly and lovingly in all things.
To tag onto your comment Julie...while at a silent retreat last weekend, I performed my working meditation in the kitchen. All instructions were written down on note paper with the following quote by Thich Nhat Hanh: "Why do you was the dishes? You wash the dishes to wash the dishes." Mary-Michael
ReplyDeleteOh my, how I needed to be reminded to offer each action to the Almighty? I have been taught this scripture well all my life: "And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." I have to ask myself this question everyday and even at this moment --"Am I working unto God?" So many things distract us through out the day -- but if we really wanted to please God, we'd be on point all day every day!!! Doing all things unto God does bring much joy and freedom!! Again, I do appreciate the reminder!! Thanks for the "log" - the accountability has kept me much more consistent in my daily asana practice and meditation.
ReplyDeleteSonja
I am looking forward to seeing all of you beautiful ladies in a couple of weeks. I am excited to have the chance to serve the community by helping build a home.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to seeing you good people and participate in this unusual project. New experience is always a self study.
ReplyDeleteOlga