What is Yoga in the term Karma-Yoga

Guru:

Karma and Yoga, together they blend,
To form Karma-Yoga, the path to transcend.
Since you ask of its deeper lore,
Let us learn, and wisdom restore.

The word “Yoga” is vast in its range,
Its meaning shifts, like the ocean’s change.
From the root ‘yuj’, it speaks of union,
A joining of paths, in perfect communion.

When paired with Karma, it takes new form,
Not just action, but the intent to transform.
It’s the way we act, with purpose and grace,
In every deed, finding the sacred space.

Thus, Karma-Yoga is more than mere task,
It’s the how and the why, the deeper ask.
Learned from teachers, with wisdom profound,
In their guidance, the true path is found.

Sishya:

O Guru, please explain to me,
The nuances you mention, so I can see,
In the intent and method of each deed,
What’s the true way to act, to succeed?

Guru:

Tell me, dear student, what’s your intent,
When you perform any act, what’s meant?
What drives your heart, what guides your mind,
In the actions you take, of every kind?
Intentions and Attitude to Action

Sishya:

To gain from my deeds, I own them, true!
Isn’t that the reason, for me and you?
Don’t we all act, for self-benefit’s sake,
In every step, for our own good we take?

Guru:

Is it only to own the fruits you strive,
That you do each act, to feel alive?
If this is your intent, I must say,
You are bound to weaken, along the way.

So pause, and reflect on all you do,
Examine your intent, clear and true.
First, appraise the action you’ve planned,
Is it right for you, in life’s great span?

The action must be rightful, and you must know,
You have the authority to let it flow.
Once confirmed, according to Dharma’s way,
Perform it with focus, without delay.

Give it your best, with effort whole,
But remember, the outcome’s not your control.
The result, shaped by nature’s grand plan,
Is beyond your grasp, in the hands of Ishvara’s span.

When the fruits of action come your way,
Accept them as gifts, without dismay.
This is the path, the way to align,
Your Karma as Yoga, pure and divine.

Sishya:

Are there more qualities you wish to share,
Beyond the two you’ve taught with care?

Action and Acceptance by Freewill

Guru:

Let me explain, my dear student true,
As you act with focus, and see it through,
Know that the outcome, its course and sway,
Is in the hands of Ishvara’s way.

Do not claim the fruits, nor the right to possess,
Whatever comes, accept with no distress.
Embrace the result, both joy and pain,
And learn from it, to refine again.

Sishya:

So you say, act without expectation,
And let go of desire for any affirmation?

Guru:

Aim, yes, for what your action must achieve,
On that, there’s no compromise, you must believe.
But the outcome, dear one, is not solely yours,
It’s the gift of God, who opens all doors.

So, do your duty with devotion and grace,
But accept the result, as Ishvara’s embrace.

Act as if you are paying the last debt

Sishya:

Can one act without seeking gain?
Is it truly possible, or all in vain?

Guru:

It may seem hard, I understand,
But let’s reflect with wisdom at hand.
Think of paying off a long-held debt,
When you make the last payment, no regret.

There’s no new benefit that you gain,
But the freedom from bondage, no more strain.
So, too, in every action you take,
If you do it as if a debt you forsake,

The mere completion sets you free,
And the result, a gift from God, you see.
Any outcome is grace, a bonus bestowed,
A blessing along your destined road.

Sishya:

So, every task is a service true,
A devotion to God, in all we do.
Is this why we say, work is worship,
In every task, we honor God’s script?

Oh, Sir! Not to argue, but to clear my doubt,
As Yoga, when can my actions count?

Does it take years of practice and toil,
Or can it be done without delay or spoil?
If only in old age I learn this art,
It would be a waste of this life, my heart!

Guru:

Understand, dear student, the key is clear,
When the foundation of Karma Yoga is here,
There comes sacrifice, as willingly given,
A heart detached, yet with effort driven.

When you act along the Karma Yoga path,
You’ve already made the sacrifice that lasts.
The key is to be dispassionate, true,
Act without attachment to what’s due.

Poised in action, unmindful of gain,
You’ll find your intellect free from strain.
When work is worship, the result, divine,
Accepted as God’s gift, pure and fine.

No quarrels rise, no failures wound,
The mind is pure, in peace it’s found.
That’s the goal, the treasure we seek,
A mind that’s clear, steady, and sleek.

For when the mind is freed from all strife,
It perceives the truth of this sacred life
In Advaita where the Self and God as One!
Your every step towards what is to be won!

(To be continued….)

Mee. Ra