Karma Yoga
October 24 , 2007
Hare Krishna,
Any activity done with Krishna as the ultimate beneficiary is devotional service, as Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-gita at the end of the fifth chapter. So when we perform selfless service or work within this world, the practice of karma yoga, that is devotional service when the service is done under Krishna's direction. Since the teachings of Bhagavad-gita are given by Krishna personally to Arjuna that selfless practice of karma yoga is naturally devotional service.
You question also shows your deep understanding that there can be karma yoga outside devotional service when the sacrifice of the fruits of our activities are performed outside Krishna's direction. Of course from the absolute perspective there is nothing outside of Krishna, as He is the ultimate source of everything. So the distinguishing factor is Krishna's involvement, is karma yoga being done under His direction or the direction of His devotee. Even if there is some material motivation, elevation to the heavenly planets, freedom from the miseries of karmic reaction, etc., if the service is done in accordance with HIs directions it is to considered devotional service. However, if there is some material motivation is not not considered pure devotional service.
Continue with your serious study of Bhagavad-gita and regularly chant Hare Krishna. You will certainly make steady progress in self realization to the stage of pure devotional service.
Sincerely,
Dulal Chandra dasa
Any activity done with Krishna as the ultimate beneficiary is devotional service, as Krishna explains in the Bhagavad-gita at the end of the fifth chapter. So when we perform selfless service or work within this world, the practice of karma yoga, that is devotional service when the service is done under Krishna's direction. Since the teachings of Bhagavad-gita are given by Krishna personally to Arjuna that selfless practice of karma yoga is naturally devotional service.
You question also shows your deep understanding that there can be karma yoga outside devotional service when the sacrifice of the fruits of our activities are performed outside Krishna's direction. Of course from the absolute perspective there is nothing outside of Krishna, as He is the ultimate source of everything. So the distinguishing factor is Krishna's involvement, is karma yoga being done under His direction or the direction of His devotee. Even if there is some material motivation, elevation to the heavenly planets, freedom from the miseries of karmic reaction, etc., if the service is done in accordance with HIs directions it is to considered devotional service. However, if there is some material motivation is not not considered pure devotional service.
Continue with your serious study of Bhagavad-gita and regularly chant Hare Krishna. You will certainly make steady progress in self realization to the stage of pure devotional service.
Sincerely,
Dulal Chandra dasa