Karma Yoga
Karma yoga is doing work with awareness
Karma yoga is a way to carry out a task and watch oneself in the process.
One tries not identify with the ego, and try not to be attached to the fruits of one's work, but one carries out the task to the best of one's ability.
This is an opportunity to get to know oneself.
It is also
an opportunity to put in your own good energies to help others without looking for reward.
And as with most things in life, what we put in, comes back to us many-fold.
Karma yoga teaches letting go of the ego, and a closer understanding or insight into our internal world.
Helping out in the kitchen by everyone on a course
In yoga ashrams and yoga centres, out of practical necessity karma yoga is used for the smooth running of the centre in a shared way. All tasks possible from growing and preparing the food, building cleaning, building maintenance and D.I.Y. are carried out by the course participants and ashram residents themselves, bringing not only an appreciation for the basics of life but also challenging the ego.
Recognising that this is also your Yoga
Holiday, in the Burren Yoga Centre this important yoga component has been incorporated in a light practical way which ensures all who come get to experience the Karma yoga concept and the centre still benefits is a very practical way which is good for all on the course.
During our courses, we take it in turns to tidy away the tables and counters in the kitchen, load the dishwasher, wash and dry any dishes that do not fit into the washer, clean the kitchen, sweep the floors and set the table for meals.
Please be aware that you will be expected to take part in karma yoga as part of the yoga course, but also note it usually takes no more than an hour over the course of a weekend.
If you don't feel you could participate with this activity then perhaps this course is not for you.
Karma yoga is a wonderful way where course participants contribute to the well being of the others in the group and also the smooth running of the centre.
Further karma yoga
On a voluntary individual basis, people may help out in keeping the yoga centre clean, and on the longer courses people are welcome to undertake other tasks for the common good where this has been agreed with the course leader.
More Information
If you are new to Karma yoga and would like to find out more,
Application of Karma YogaRead more in an Article on Karma Yoga written by Swami Nishchalananda
