| That which binds man is Karma performed
with attachment and that which liberates us from all bondage is Karma Yoga
or actions performed without attachments. Karma is but action. Actions are
unavoidable. Reactions too are unavoidable. But if we perform them for other's
benefit, then it will be no bondage.
Sri Ramana was once asked by a devotee to explain the
concept of Karmayoga. After some silence, the sage asked the enquirer
to accompany him. In the hot sun, he left the Ashrama and proceeded towards
the hill, climbed up the hillock, searched for the cane bushes and amidst
them, found a particular cane to be most suitable for his purpose. With
a knife he cut it; sat on the rock with the cane on the thigh. He sharpened
the cane perfectly. And, after a long labour, prepared a beautiful walking
stick. The sun was by then setting. The sage looked at the stick and appreciated
its beauty. With utmost sraddha he made it. All the while, the enquirer
was watching the Maharshi. While returning, the sage looked at a cow-herd
boy. He felt that the boy needed the stick more. So he, with love, gave
the fruit of his labour [the stick] to the boy. And the enquirer was able
to understand what Karmayoga is.
Do with utmost sraddha every action and part with its fruit for the benefit
of the needy.
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