Seven Enemies of Karma Yoga

Seven enemies of "Karma Yoga"

Introduction

In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says that equanimity of mind is "yoga" (योग). When this equanimity is maintained while performing actions, then it is called "karma-yoga" (कर्म योग)

"Equanimity of mind" means - treating success and failure equally.

So in essence, while performing actions, if the mind is treating success & failure equally, without fluctuations, then it is karma-yoga.

This is easier said than done.

Once we resolve to maintain "equanimity of mind" then there are hundreds of deterrents which creates "instability of mind".

Vedic Tribe is happy to bring you this series on seven such deterrents or enemies of karma-yoga. Our intention is to create enough curiosity in you to study Bhagavad Gita and successfully defeat these enemies of karma-yoga.

In the next write up, we will discuss the first enemy of karma-yoga ie., "Lethargy".

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

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1. Lethargy - an enemy of Karma Yoga:

What creates Lethargy in us?

In Vedic philosophy, "thamas" (तमस्) makes us lethargic. For example, if you eat "thamasic" food, you tend to be more lethargic.

But, even when we are not influenced by "thamas" and specially when we are in the path of karma-yoga, lethargy may creep into us. But, why?

It is a known fact that result oriented action creates adrenaline rush in our body. This is a useful reward function of our body.

But when we resolve that we won't be affected by success or failure, we are deprived of this adrenaline rush. Without this reward function, we become lethargic.

Then how to defeat this enemy "lethargy"?

The best weapon against lethargy is "deliberate practice"; Lord Krishna calls this "abhyasa" (अभ्यास).

Many athletes, artists, scientists, academicians…etc use "deliberate practice". It's a painstaking process where we deliberately push ourselves into action like a machine. Traditional practices like anushtana / vratha are also deliberate practices.

When we resolve to do karma yoga, we have to deliberately push ourselves into action without worrying about success or failure. This removes lethargy and helps us progress in our spiritual journey.

In the next write-up, we shall discuss the second enemy "Mental Exhaustion"

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

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2. Mental Exhaustion - an enemy of Karma Yoga:

What causes mental exhaustion?

Mental exhaustion occurs due to overuse of thought processes.

In psychology, "pink elephant paradox" is when we resolve not to think about a pink elephant, resulting in us always thinking about it.

When we resolve to conduct karma-yoga, we become conscious of our inclination towards success or failure. We are not supposed to think about them but we end up thinking more about them. This loop of thoughts causes enormous mental stress & exhaustion.

Then how to defeat this enemy "mental exhaustion"?

 To break the loop of stressful thoughts, you can use "constructive distraction". Ie., When you find yourself in this loop, distract yourself deliberately. Do not go for destructive distractions like smoking, drinking, binge-watching or eating. But go for constructive distraction like walking, talking to friends, playing a musical instrument or singing. Traditional practice of joining "satsang" (सत्संग) is also a great constructive distraction.

When we resolve to do karma-yoga, we have to deliberately adopt constructive distraction. This relieves us of mental exhaustion and helps us in our spiritual journey.

In the next write-up, we shall discuss the third enemy "cultural cringe"

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

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3. Cultural cringe - an enemy of Karma-Yoga:

How often do you talk about your spiritual journey?

We talk less about our spiritual journey, not because we are in disbelief, but because we have an inferiority complex about our culture & heritage.

Many countries including India, specially the ones which had colonial past suffer from “cultural cringe”. Though independent, we still hesitate to talk about our culture & heritage. 

When we resolve to conduct karma-yoga, we hesitate to say so. When friends & family do not understand our change of mind, we receive less support and sometimes receive mockery. This discourages us from walking the path of karma yoga.

Then how to defeat this enemy "cultural cringe"?

First we have to accept the fact that all cultures have cringe elements. Americans cringe at their treatment of natives; europeans cringe at slave trade; christians cringe at crusades; muslims cringe at ISIS and so on. We are also not proud of cultural malpractice such as "sati" (सति). Then we have to learn about positive aspects of our culture & tradition. We should also develop openness in talking about all aspects of our culture & tradition from a neutral stand-point, without being apologetic and without being extremist.

When we resolve to do karma-yoga, we have to deliberately & openly talk about our practices, Bhagavad Gita, Vedic spirituality and our culture & heritage. This relieves us of our cultural cringe and helps us in our spiritual journey.

In the next write-up, we shall discuss the fourth enemy "jealousy"

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

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4. Jealosy - an enemy of Karma Yoga:

Are you cut-out for the rat-race?

Everyday we see people running in the rat-race and chase success. Though we despise this rat-race, we still get jealous of those who do, because they get to enjoy wealth & fame - more than we do.

When we resolve to conduct karma-yoga, we stop thinking about success or failure and lose our competitive edge. But our peers, colleagues & friends keep their competitive edge and gain more out of the rat-race. This creates enormous jealousy in us and diverts us from the spiritual path.

Then how to defeat this enemy "jealousy"?

In the “law of karma”, we enjoy or suffer our past deeds. Our present enjoyment or suffering may seem like the result of our present action, but they are the result of our past actions accumulated over many lives. Yet, we are not the masters of our fate. 

Instead, the almighty is in charge of managing this law of karma and is called "karmadhyaksha" (कार्याध्यक्ष). If we find someone enjoying or suffering the result of the rat-race, we should remember this law operating with the almighty’s grace. 

When we resolve to do karma-yoga, we should deliberately remember the “law of karma” and the grace of "kaadhyaksha". This prevents us from getting jealous of other’s fortunes and helps us progress in our spiritual journey.

In the next write-up, we shall discuss the fifth enemy "weak benevolence"

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

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5. Weak benevolence - an enemy of Karma Yoga:

Why is benevolence always exploited?

The problem of benevolence is that it is perceived as weakness by the very people who are benevolent. Consequently, they indirectly allow others to exploit them. 

This problem became acute in Indian culture, due to overemphasis on ascetic way of life, specially influenced by Buddhism and Jainism.

When we resolve to conduct karma-yoga, we naturally turn benevolent. But, if we allow ourselves to be perceived as weak, others will naturally take advantage and exploit us. 

Then how to defeat this enemy "weak benevolence"?

First we have to understand that benevolence is "sattvika guna" (सात्विक गुण) and self-preservation is "rajasa guna" (राजस गुण). "Sattvika" is like pure Gold and "Rajasa" is like copper. One can't make ornaments from pure Gold only; instead little copper is to be mixed. Similarly, only "sattvika guna" is not enough to craft a good life, but little "rajasa guna" is also necessary to sustain it.

When we resolve to do karma-yoga, we should deliberately learn to fight for self-preservation, without which our benevolence is easily exploited.

In the next write-up, we shall discuss the sixth enemy "compensation effect"

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

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6. Compensation effect - enemy of Karma Yoga

How often do you give yourself a break from goodness?

When someone is on a strict diet, they often enjoy a "cheat day" once in a while. This also happens to someone who is following any other strict code of conduct. When that person feels that if he / she has accumulated enough "moral capital", it is ok to do a few bad things. That person is under the impression that his / her overwhelming good deeds will compensate for a few bad ones. This is called the "compensation effect".

When we resolve to conduct karma-yoga, we too accumulate a big moral capital (specially when others appreciate our code of conduct). This gives us enough excuse to engage in a few bad deeds. Overtime, this deviates us from the spiritual path.

So, how to defeat this enemy - compensation effect?

To defeat the “compensation effect”, first we need to destroy our “moral capital”. We should look up to people who have a much more diligent lifestyle and strive to achieve their level of diligence instead of being proud of our own accomplishments. When we surrender to a Guru and to the Almighty, it is called "prapatti" (प्रपत्ति)

When we resolve to conduct karma yoga, we should deliberately introspect and observe our shortcomings. We should openly speak about our shortcomings before the Guru & the Almighty. This slowly destroys our moral capital and thereby we will not feel privileged enough to do wrong deeds once in a while.

In the next write-up, we shall discuss the seventh enemy "bragging"

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe

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7. Bragging - an enemy of karma yoga

“When does ‘sharing’ become ‘bragging’?

When someone excessively talks about his / her achievements or possessions, with an expectation of appreciation from others, we treat it as bragging. 

We seldom recognize the border between “sharing our happiness” and “bragging”. While it's fine to share our happiness, at times, it results in “bragging”. If we do not recognize the border, then “bragging” creates a “self-image” that acts as a big hurdle in our spiritual journey. Because, the self image created by bragging invokes “rajasa-guna” in us resulting in arrogance, self-indulgence, and express feelings of entitlement.

When we resolve to conduct karma-yoga, we feel the urge to talk about it and get appreciation from people. This pushes us to brag about our spiritual process.

So, how to defeat this enemy - bragging?

If you are bragging about your spiritual journey, then resolve immediately to speak at least 25% less in general. This will make you conscious of what you are speaking. Reducing it to 50% raises your awareness and your speech becomes crystal clear. Observing silence (मौन वृत) once a month enhances your awareness to new heights. These observances naturally prevent you from bragging because you can clearly identify the border between “sharing” and “bragging”.

When you resolve to do karma-yoga, deliberately observe reduction in talk and silence. This prevents you from bragging and elevates your spiritual journey.

Vedic Tribe is very happy to have brought you this series on seven enemies of karma-yoga. Our intention is to create enough curiosity in you to study bhagadgeeta and successfully defeat these enemies of karma yoga.

All the best

Madhwesh K

Vedic Tribe