Yogic Insights - Karma in the 21st Century

The concept of karma seems easy to understand on the surface layer; but as we look closer, it seems to be more of a mystery. Hatha Yoga practitioners may struggle with the concept of action, which creates the entire cycle of cause and effect. Yet, The Law of Karma has been written about for thousands of years.

The first writings, mentioning Karma, seem to appear in the Bhagavad Gita. One quote from the Bhagavad Gita reads, "The person whose mind is always free from attachment, who has subdued the mind and senses, and who is free from desires, attains the supreme perfection of freedom from Karma through renunciation."

However, very few people on this earth can completely renounce attachment. As humans, we are attached to friends, family, and material possessions. Was it easier to renounce attachment five thousand years ago than it is today? Most likely it was more difficult in the past, than today, because there are a few charities to help support people in poverty.

In the past, the poor were jailed for living in poverty. Today, the poor are sent to prison much more easily than a person who can afford a legal defense. To renounce one's possessions is parallel to taking an oath of poverty. Monastic life seems to be the only safe option - if one wants to live in poverty.

Willem de Kooning once said: "The trouble with being poor is that it takes up all your time." The option of choosing to live in poverty is very risky. The middle class may envy free health care, but what quality of care is available if you are penniless? You might die while waiting in line.

I have painted this picture of giving away all of your worldly possessions for a reason. If you give everything away, who will you be able to help? This is a concept Yoga teachers in training need to understand: You cannot help anyone in the soup line, if you are standing in the soup line. Therefore, we will do more good by performing Karma Yoga (selfless service), than by joining the ranks of the poor.

Another method of giving to others is to be grateful for their companionship. How often do we forget the little things in life? Letting friends, associates, and loved ones know that we appreciate them, never gets old. Showing courtesy to strangers also creates a positive chain of cause and effect.

If this seems like it may be an internal struggle, to show loving kindness to others, then it is likely overdue. Give firstly because it is the right action to take. We all know that Yoga practice improves one's health on many levels, but our own emotional health will prosper, when we help others. We set the wheels of action in motion by performing Karma Yoga.

© Copyright 2010 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html