LEARN THROUGH KARMA YOGA
BY HANSAJI JAYADEVA
Yoga and Total Health, May 1990
Work is both a therapy and a worship. We do not see the results at work very directly. Being shortsighted we do not see the growth that occurs here. We look for results of work to meet our selfish interests. Work to us is a materialistic exercise bringing about only a materialistic result.
In another sense, work can be considered as a therapy. All of us need such therapy because as they say "An idle mind is a devil's workshop". No sooner do we have extra energy and nothing else that demands attention, we allow ourselves to be anxious, worried, etc. We can easily slip into the world of fantasy also or indulge in all kinds of imagination goaded by our friend circle.
A man who is constantly on his toes is a better citizen and is a responsible member of the community and family. Work never hurts us. However, we grumble a lot when doing work. In fact, the grumbling and irritability of the neurotic and psychotic goes on with work. He does not see the advantage of immersing into work. If only such a person took to some physical work, much of his problems would be solved. Patients suffering from anxiety reactions and depression are recommended jogging by psychiatrists.
The Yogic approach to work where the person is not interested in any immediate results out of work is a more difficult one. In this case one is not looking for diversion of attention or an escape through work. One is also not looking for materialistic gain of money or prestige. What is then this idea of work as worship? Work is then a selfless art dedicated to God. One does work, no doubt, but does not look to any results.
Many do realize that work when done from a sense of duty, and when dedicated to the divine, changes the whole personality of the individual. Such a person becomes egoless, highly disciplined, concentrated and creative. The farmer reaping the harvest in the field gets into a rhythm of harvesting. He forgets himself; he is lost in the rhythmic movements of his hands and his body. He is happily lost in work, occasionally singing, but in reality, praying.