Karma yoga is a lifestyle based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on internal balance through reason and selflessness. It is not just about physical exercise, but also about personal actions and attitudes. The poses aid meditation and can be chosen for their symbolic meaning.
Unlike other types of yoga, karma yoga is a lifestyle rather than a form of exercise. Karma yoga philosophies are based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text. Those who practice this type of yoga generally seek internal balance through reason and selflessness. It seems that there are no specific yogic poses for this type of yoga, rather practitioners choose the poses that best suit their meditative needs and use them to balance internal energy rather than become more flexible.
Karma yoga, when translated into English, literally means “discipline of action.” Those who choose to practice this type of yoga should understand that it is not simply a way to tone the body and strengthen muscles. It is a multifaceted belief system indicating that those who experience misfortune or bad luck are experiencing it as a result of their personal actions. This does not necessarily refer only to external actions, but also to internal attitudes and thoughts.
According to the precepts of karma yoga, every internal and external action attracts an equal consequence. For example, if a stalker pushes a young woman, both parties will experience consequences according to the energies they attract. In the karma yoga belief system, the bully would reap misfortune due to his unsavory actions. In other words, the energy he is sending out is unpleasant, so it will attract more unpleasant things.
The young woman, according to this belief system, will also attract consequences due to her internal and external actions. Even if she outwardly does nothing to the bully, but inwardly curses him or wishes him harm, she will also attract misfortune. On the other hand, if she is able to discipline her anger, remain calm, and even hope that the bully can find inner peace, she will attract good fortune. However, engaging in self-defense would not attract negativity, because self-defense is not inherently spiteful.
The poses and stretches in karma yoga are generally meant to aid meditation. They are supposed to be comfortable, allowing internal focus while strengthening the body. Simpler poses, such as the cross-legged lotus position, are popular because the poses themselves require little attention. The idea is to be still and participate in internal reflection. Stretching and strengthening the body helps meditation by keeping the body healthy and reducing distractions from painful joints or muscles.
The poses in karma yoga can also be chosen for what the pose itself represents. For example, the lotus is a symbol of peace and purity in the Hindu belief system. Some yoga practitioners may use the lotus position to help them focus on calmness and selflessness. There is also a belief that the body reflects the internal state of a person. Therefore, folding the body in a positive symbol can help karma yoga practitioners achieve their goals.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
