E-Paper
Yoga guru Akshar says yoga connects to excellence at work, clarifying that Karma Yoga is not just doing things every day
Karma Yoga focuses on doing tasks well while being aware, disciplined, and intentional. It turns everyday activities into meaningful experiences.
In a world where productivity is often measured by the amount of work completed, the essence of Karma Yoga is frequently reduced to simply staying busy. But the Bhagavad Gita offers a more profound philosophy in this timeless verse "Yogaḥ Karmasu Kauśalam" Yoga is excellence in action. Yoga and spiritual leader Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar offers a new interpretation in his talk and clarifies that Karma Yoga is not just doing things every day. It's the skill of making all actions into expressions of excellence, awareness, and conscious living.
Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar tells Health Shots “all the activities of the day are not necessarily Karma Yoga. Only when an action is performed with full attention, discipline, skill and a good intention to do something positive, can it be called Yoga. The hallmark of every action is excellence, which distinguishes it from being a simple practice.”
Akshar elaborates that "the quality of work makes it yogic good work or bad work irrespective of whether the person is an artist, teacher, designer, writer, entrepreneur, farmer or community worker. A Karma Yogi is an artist who has mastered the art." A teacher is a Karma Yogi when they can inspire generations with knowledge. The process of a professional becoming a Karma Yogi is just doing everything with integrity, precision and dedication. In all occupations, progress and development change work into a higher calling.
Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar also tells us that true excellence is attained by the harmonious integration of the four major paths of yoga:
- Jnana Yoga gives wisdom and correct understanding, which allows for thoughtful decision-making.
- Bhakti Yoga develops devotion, humility and sincerity, and carries it out with a pure intention.
- Dhyana Yoga cultivates the ability to concentrate and be aware, keeping the mind centred and fully in the moment.
- Shakti Yoga helps connect and raise inner strength, enthusiasm and energy to help the individual perform all actions with confidence and consistency.
The confluence of all four dimensions transforms work from a routine activity. Every choice is considered and thoughtfully made, every action is purposeful, every effort grows you and adds value to others.
The same holds true for all branches of yoga. Commitment and mastery in practising yoga postures, meditation, or breathing techniques equal deeper meaning. Excellence in practice brings transformation, and discipline brings transformation into everyday life. Hence, the very spirit of Yoga is neither in the number of actions nor in the quality of the actions.
The wisdom stored in the Himalayan tradition urges the people to take responsibility with awareness and develop their faculties through a continuous learning process throughout their life. This insight into the practice of Karma Yoga provides practical tips for anyone seeking to make a difference in the world, including students, professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, leaders, and beyond.
His message highlights that yoga is a way of life, offering benefits that reach far beyond physical movement. It is seen in all things thought, decided, and done well and with purpose. Karma Yoga is the lifelong process of making one's work a wonderful service to oneself, to the people and to humanity in general.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
