For Seekers by Seekers

Karma yoga is action + attitude. Our attitude determines how we will respond to the situations. Acceptance of the results of our effort does NOT mean not having expectations- it just means to recognize and focus on efforts and clearly knowing that there are many factors beyond our control in the outcome. This attitude neutralizes our likes/dislikes and over time they have less influence on the choice less work we must do because of the several roles we assume for ourselves.

Karma is work /activity. Karma yoga is karma + right attitude. I summarize six shortcuts I have learnt here which is karma yoga:

Here is my six step 'shortcut' for Karma Yoga:

1. Focus on Actions/ Efforts and not Results

2. Actions to be done with Ishwara Samarpana Buddhi (as an offering to God)

3. Accept Results with Prasada Buddhi

4. Roles: Actions that are tied to our various roles - we have no choice but to do it and we have to do well.

5. Selfish actions: We have choice. If possible, Avoid.

6. Decision making: Always apply principle of 'larger' good.

The Sanskrit word for mind is Antah-Karanam, literally meaning internal (antah) instrument (karanam). While another word Manas is asi used this word has a significant meaning attached - instruments are NOT us; we control instruments; instruments need maintenance.

From B Gita Ch 5, we discuss a Sloka that equates everything as Brahman and reminds us to think that the food we are eating is Brahman and the very act of eating is Brahman - thereby sanctifying the act!

This episode is a recitation of a poem I wrote inspired by the meditation practice using. Nirvanashatakam as my guide for meditation

Chapter 15 of Gita has a Sloka that explains the four categories of food living beings can eat - chew, swallow, suck, lick and says that the Awareness - Consciousness principle within us that maintains the body temperature as well as manifests as hunger is Vaishwanarah- a name given to that Brahman Consciousness principle.

Special Topic: Educating Teens on Karma Yoga Concepts & Understanding Dharma in the context of Accepting people

Today's group discussion topics are:

a) How to get teens to understand Karma yoga

b) Dharma in the context of accepting people

A) Karma yoga for kids: Key points

It is tough to preach.

Kids learn by watching parents.

Talking without reference to scriptures helps.

Getting them to understand simple concepts like gratitude, association with elderly like grandparents will help.

Relating to their day /context is important.

This discussion is by 'seekers to seekers' where we discuss the difficulties & challenges parents face & can do to bring about karma yoga attitude in children.

While it is not easy, we discuss our personal experiences as parents of teens.

Some of the ideas we discuss:

1. Contextualizing the talk will help.

2. We have to be consistent in our messaging as parents.

3. Emphasize importance of right efforts with kids

4. Encourage questioning by kids themselves? Example instead of asking, What did you learn, ask, What could you have done differently?

5. Be equipoised in responding.

6. Plant a seed - not expect results immediately.

7. Encourage kids to talk about their experiences without regret or guilt? If they feel remorse or guilty then let them know that they have not done the right thing.

8. Talk about our personal failures openly and what we learnt.

9. Schools are providing academic inputs but not emotional inputs to manage stressful situations - kids should have self esteem, feel happy within themselves.

10. Have a dialogue and share expectations; accept the results together.

11. Bigger struggle we face as parents is to moderate our own expectations as parents towards kids. Own acceptance took more time as this gets reflected. 

12. It will never be ideal (ie what we want/expect) and it is just better to accept - connecting back to karma yoga;

13. Teach the kids by example, ie, your own behavior; and 

14. Look for cues in their behavior to spot signs of anxiety, depression and other such mental challenges

B) Dharma in the context of understanding people

Acceptance of people's behaviour is a must. If we cannot change (or don't have the ability or authority to change) someone, then we must willingly accept, even if the other person's behaviour is not 'dharmic'/right.

We must accept right behaviour as right.

We must accept wrong behaviour as well, knowing that it is wrong, and NOT resigning or convincing ourselves that it must be right because it can't be changed.

Because of six undesirable qualities in our mind - desires, anger, pride, greed, jealousy, delusion - the grass does not associate itself hence it does not grow where we walk. However, it continues to grow where elephants walk - despite their relative size and weight to humans.

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