Our life is bound by Karma (actions) and we have to learn to perform all our actions as Karma Yoga. But we have to know what are the tools that we need to change karma to Karma yoga.
We first have to understand what is our motive behind each and every action. Then only we will be able to change every action into Karma Yoga. Each action should elevate our personality and we should become more mature. This is possible only when our thoughts are pure and original. These thoughts need to be selfless and universal. When our thoughts are open and service minded, we will get closer to our self. When we are close to our self we are more peaceful. This quality is essential to attain salvation. This might seem difficult but Bhagavan gave some direction and the following verse reflects that truth.
Mayi Sarvaani Karmaani Sanyasya Aadhyaatmachetasa!
Niraasi Nirmamo Bhutvaa Yudyaswa Vigatajwarah! 3.30
Renouncing all actions in me, with the mind centered on the self, free from hope and egoism, and free from mental fever, do fight.
How do we surrender all our actions to God?
Is it enough if we think in our mind like that?
Now let us examine important tools that can help us in this process.
God is omnipresent, omniscient and divine. We have to first understand the qualities of God. We need to have utmost faith in God. This is the most essential quality in our search for the universal truth.
We are all bound by action and no one can escape not doing karma.
Our actions need to arise from pure mind and self less attitude.
The universe is functioning with a common cause and our actions also need to be part of the bigger picture and higher cause.
We need to adhere to Dharma no matter what and in any circumstance.
We need to conduct ourselves without the notion "I am the doer". We need to be humble in our expression.
Our actions need to reflect the scriptures and the teachings of great people. Our Guru should play a big role in our life.
We should not base our actions based on likes and dislikes of the mind.
Our actions need to under the direction of intellect and should not be reactive based on our mind.
We need to do our duty to the best of our ability all the time. We need to make wholehearted attempt all the time.
We need to do our duty as an offering to God.
We need to surrender all our actions to God and accept the results of our action as a gift from God.
Bhagavan in the following verses talks about the outcome when we follow his teaching and what happens if we do not follow.
Ye me matamidam nityam anutishtanti maanavaah!
Sraddhaavanto-naasuyanto muchyante tepi karmabhih!! 3.31
One who executes his duties according to my teaching and who follows this teaching faithfully, without being critical, becomes free of bondage of actions.
Ye tvetad-abhaya-suyanto naanu-tishtanti me matam !
sarvajnaana vimudhaamstaanividdhi nashtaanachetasah!! 3.32
But those who criticize my teaching, disregard these teachings and do not practice them regularly, are completely deluded and doomed to bondage.
If we learn and practice all the tips mentioned above, we can convert the actions we perform everyday into Karma Yoga. Whenever our actions are devoid of selfishness and not attached to the fruits of actions, the task becomes easy. We are not going to be bound by the serious consequences of these actions. We can also face the consequences of any action with ease. This is like handling a serpent with out fangs.
The purification of mind is possible only when we are humble, surrender to God, and be in the company of good people. We need to sing the glory of God. We need to listen to the scriptures through able teachers.
OM SRI SAI RAM!
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