CHAPTER TWO
Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga is a unique system of self-advancement based upon the law of action and reaction. In order to understand this Law of Karma, a person must gain an insight into what “action” implies. Firstly, a person must act, or in other words, he must perform some Karma. He cannot choose to be inactive. Sleeping, breathing, blood-circulation, digestion, and other functions are also “actions” in a sense. Though some of these are involuntary, they are still expressions of one’s involvement in Karma.
Analyzing this further, all Karmas or actions can be placed under three categories. Actions that promote harmony, understanding, compassion, endurance, patience and charity are called good karmas. Actions based upon hatred, anger, violence, intense selfishness and various perversions of the mind are bad Karmas. Thirdly, from a practical point of view, as long as one is involved in a world of Karma (action), he cannot be absolutely “good” or absolutely “bad.” In other words, there is always a blend of good and bad, or “mixed” Karmas.
These three types of Karmas can be performed in three ways—by thought, word or deed. Suppose you have directed ill will towards a certain person, you did not “do” anything against him, either by word or action, only thought about it in your mind. As the Law of Karma is based on action and reaction, this mental “action” will result in a reaction, in the course of time. However, the reaction will only be in your mind in the form of mental anguish, without affecting your external circumstances. A mental Karma, therefore, bears fruit in the mental plane.
However, if that Karma extends to the level of speech in the form of cutting or abusive words towards someone, a reaction will result in the future which will place you in a similar situation of being insulted by abusive language. The Law of Karma is irrevocably and invariably self-inflicted. You never quite know how thoughts have moved in your mind and how you have attracted various conditions to yourself.
On the third level, you not only think ill of a person but you also say bitter words to him.
Furthermore, you physically hurt him. In the course of time, when this action begins to fructify, you are affected mentally by restless thoughts, vocally by someone speaking harsh words to you and physically by encountering adverse circumstances.
Life—Accidental or Controlled?
Karma and its resultant fruit does not follow a crude law, but rather a very elaborate and refined process. Karmas that are performed give rise to impressions that exist in the unconscious as “seeds.”
These seeds, ready to sprout, are also called Karmas. So, the term Karma refers both to actions performed in one’s life as well as to the latent Karmas that exist as “seeds” in your unconscious. People who find themselves in a positive environment are backed up by good Karmas, which are the result of past good actions.
People, in general, though, view the various happenings in their lives as mere coincidence. Those who do not have a deep insight into the Law of Karma may be inclined to believe that Man and his circumstances are accidental. But the entire study of Yoga is based upon the understanding that nothing is accidental; everything has a meaning, a cause, or a law behind it. For example, if a person breaks his leg, according to the Law of Karma, it is not a mere accident. Thought-processes operating deep within his mind have led to the accident.
But then the question arises, what can be done about past Karmas and their forthcoming results in your life? As your reason becomes more refined, you can redirect past negative Karmas in such a way that they work towards your benefit.
With Yogic insight, every frustration in your life becomes an austerity for you and an opportunity for you to grow spiritually. On the other hand, past good Karmas fructifying through pleasant conditions in your life, misused by your not-so-refined reason, will ultimately prove detrimental to you in the long run. You have then lost an opportunity “to grow” spiritually under positive circumstances.
One must learn not to have contradictions about what happens in one’s life. Through the practice of Yoga, this habit of contradictions becomes apparent. One learns not to blame the world or our environment for our circumstances, but rather, use everything to our advantage, to grow spiritually. This is the secret for a more harmonious and fulfilling life.
From the book Integral Yoga: The Secret to Enlightenment by Swami Jyotirmayananda, published by the Yoga Research Foundation. © Swami Jyotirmayananda. All rights reserved.
Next: Lesson 5, The Practice of Karma Yoga
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