First, the Karma-yogi. He adopts the path of
establishing union with Godhead by elevating and sublimating acts.
We meet in the world many who seem to have been born, just to
accomplish one particular mission or project. Their intellect is
not satisfied with mere imagination or planning. Their minds will
be full of actual concrete achievements which they yearn to
realise. For such people, a guide-book or Sastra is needed to
direct them along beneficial paths. Every one in the world is seen
engaged in some activity or other, all the time. Yet, very few
know the significance and worth-whileness of Karma; or, how best
to realise the best results out of this inescapable trait. Hence,
life is being made banal and barren. Karma-yoga teaches man the
awareness of this significance and guides him along to achieve the
maximum benefit out of the activity. Where, when and how Karma has
to be done, how spiritual urges can reinforce strength of mind in
the performance of Karma, and how Karma is to be taken up so that
spiritual development can result - these are taught to us by the
Karma-yoga.
There is one great objection raised by some people about this
and we have to pay some attention to it. The objection is that
Karma Yoga involves too much physical strain. But, basically, it
is the company that one keeps that decides the strain and the
stress that the mind and the body of man are subjected to. "I like
very much to engage myself in only this task"; "I sought only to
do good to him, but, he ignored my desire and tried to injure me";
these are the usual causes for the strain and stress mentioned
above. Such disappointment makes one lose interest in activity. It
wants to do good and it seeks to do good to some one in some way,
hoping to derive joy therefrom and distribute joy. When such joy
does not arise, despair sets in.
But, without getting attached, without being aware as to whom
the Karma helps or how, the lesson that Karma Yoga teaches is - do
the Karma, as Karma, for the sake of the Karma. Why does the
Karma-yogi fill his hands with work? That is his real nature; he
feels that he is happy, while doing work. That is all. He does not
bargain for results; he is not urged by any calculation. He gives,
but never receives. He knows no grief, no disappointment; for he
has not hoped for any benefit.