Ever pondered why we stay working all day? For money? Respect? To make someone proud. Or just because the world says, “You have to do something!” That’s exactly what Arjuna asked—and, to be honest, it’s what every living human secretly asks themselves. And this is where Karma Yoga starts. Karma Yoga implies doing your duty but not being emotionally attached to the outcome.
Running from obligations is simple; living them is difficult.
Arjuna stood on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. In front of him were family, instructors, and brothers, ready to perish at his hands. He lowered his bow and stated, “I can’t do this.” When faced with a significant task, we often say, “Maybe tomorrow…not today.” Krishna did not scold him. He just explained.
“You have a right to perform your duty, but not to control the results.”
This isn’t just an inspirational quotation; it’s a life formula. When we become results-oriented, work becomes a burden. When we approach work as worship, it becomes liberating.
Work hard, but drop your ego.
People today are divided into two categories: 1. People who work solely to show off. “Look what I achieved!” 2. People who shun work because they believe everything is pointless. “If everything is an illusion, then why bother?” Krishna provides a clear response to both.
“Don’t escape duty. Don’t attach ego to it. Just do it—because it’s your dharma.”
The biggest concern is “What if I try and fail?”
we are not afraid of hard work. We’re worried about being embarrassed if something goes wrong. If I win, I’ll get praised. If I fail, I will be mocked. Krishna says, “This is the real illusion.” Failure is not shameful; not trying is. Failure is not defeat for a Karma Yogi; it is simply the loading of version 2.0.
Important Conversation
Arjuna: “My mind wants to run away from this war. Is fighting really the right thing?”
Krishna: “Your duty is to act. Victory or defeat isn’t your department. When you let go of the result, your mind becomes light.”
Arjuna: “But how do I act without desire?”
Krishna (smiling): “Have emotions, but don’t let them rule you.”
Arjuna: “What if I don’t succeed?”
Krishna: “Success isn’t yours. Effort is. You’re known by your action, not the outcome.”
Karma Yoga: Flow State + No Ego
Have you ever been so focused on your work that you lost track of time? That is flow. That is also Karma Yoga: doing your best, being totally present, and not worrying about the outcome. However, Karma Yoga does not recommend abandoning your ambitions. It adds, “Set goals, but don’t let them chain your mind.”
Why is karma necessary? Because… Even nature never stops working.
The wind blows, rivers flow, and the sun rises—do they care about success or failure? Action clears the internal chaos. When you are immersed in important work, past regrets and future fears gradually recede. Knowledge without action is a burden. Reading spiritual books is not enough; true spirituality is demonstrated by action.
Karma Yoga in Modern Words
Traditional Teaching’s Real-Life Meaning… Give up attachment to the results. Do your task, and quit stressing over outcomes. Perform your duty. Do what is right, not what is easiest. Work without selfish desires. Remove ego and expectations from the work. Treat duty as adoration. Work with sincerity and not for acclaim.
So, should we give up everything and meditate in the mountains?
No…. Karma Yoga isn’t about escaping reality. It is about doing your job, loving your people, and pursuing your dreams without being swayed by fear, stress, or ego. While running a business, studying for exams, and raising a family, it’s important not to expect everything to go your way.
Essence of Chapter 3 (Karma Yoga)
Running away from responsibility causes sorrow, whilst accepting it brings liberation. Success is not the goal of action; honesty is. Karma Yoga is not a religious speech; rather, it is an attitude. Life is simple: do your work. Do it truthfully. Let go of the rest. You cannot control life. But you have power over your actions. And when your actions coincide with the truth, life gradually aligns with you.
