Sri Swami Sivananda – The Practice of Karma Yoga – Chapter 7: Karma Yoga In The Gita - FULL English Translation of all Sanskrit Words.

In Chapter 7 of The Practice of Karma Yoga, Sri Swami Sivananda explores the profound teachings of Karma Yoga as presented in the Bhagavad Gita. Karma Yoga, or the yoga of selfless action, is an essential path for spiritual growth and liberation. Swami Sivananda delves deeply into the essence of this teaching and how it is intricately connected to the principles laid out in the Bhagavad Gita. In this chapter, he provides an insightful interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita's verses on karma, encouraging practitioners to cultivate the discipline of selfless action for the highest spiritual realization.

1. The Wheel of the Universe
In this sub-chapter, Swami Sivananda explains the concept of the "Wheel of the Universe" as an analogy to the cyclical nature of creation, preservation, and destruction. He explains that the universe operates on a divine plan and that each individual is a small but vital cog in this grand cosmic wheel. Just as the wheel turns according to the laws of nature, human beings must align their actions with this natural order. Karma, as described in the Gita, is the law of action and reaction. It is important to recognize that one’s actions should not be detached from the larger cosmic process, but instead should contribute harmoniously to the flow of the universe. By practicing selfless action, individuals transcend the egoistic cycle of actions driven by selfish desires and begin to act in alignment with the Divine will.

2. Scope for Personal Exertion
Swami Sivananda further explains that while the universe operates according to cosmic laws, there is still a scope for personal exertion and individual effort. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna that even though the ultimate results of actions are governed by divine will, individuals are not absolved of their duty to act. Human beings are endowed with free will to make choices, and they must use this capacity to perform their duties (dharma) selflessly. Swami Sivananda emphasizes that personal effort, when aligned with the Divine, is the key to spiritual progress. He encourages practitioners to not shirk their responsibilities but to engage in work that benefits both themselves and society. By doing so, individuals purify their hearts and develop qualities of detachment, humility, and devotion to the Divine. 

3. Prakriti Does Everything
This sub-chapter focuses on the concept of Prakriti, or nature, as the driving force behind all actions in the universe. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains that Prakriti, made up of the three gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas), is responsible for the actions performed by all beings. Swami Sivananda elaborates on this by saying that all actions, whether performed by humans, animals, or plants, are governed by the influence of the gunas of Prakriti. Human beings, though equipped with the faculty of discernment, are still bound by these natural forces. However, the key to spiritual growth lies in realizing that one's true self (Atman) is beyond the influence of Prakriti. By identifying with the Atman rather than the ego, a practitioner can transcend the effects of the gunas and perform actions selflessly without attachment to the results. 

4. Action and Inaction
Swami Sivananda takes a deep dive into the philosophical distinction between action and inaction, as discussed in the Bhagavad Gita. On the surface, it may appear that inaction is a form of detachment or renunciation, but the Gita teaches that true renunciation is not inaction, but the renunciation of the fruits of action. Swami Sivananda explains that when one performs actions with attachment to the outcomes, those actions create bondage and lead to further entanglement in the cycle of birth and death (samsara). However, by performing actions as an offering to the Divine, without any expectation of personal gain, one remains unattached to the fruits of those actions and thus achieves true freedom. In this way, Swami Sivananda emphasizes that Karma Yoga teaches practitioners to work selflessly and engage in worldly duties without being influenced by desires or results. 

5. Action and Actor
In this sub-chapter, Swami Sivananda explores the relationship between the action and the actor, or the doer of the action. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between the body (which performs the action) and the self (Atman), which is the true essence of the individual. Swami Sivananda teaches that when one identifies with the body and the mind, they become entangled in the results of their actions. However, by understanding one's true nature as the eternal, unchanging Atman, one can perform actions without attachment to the ego or the results. This detachment allows one to perform even the most mundane tasks with a sense of inner peace and devotion. The action is no longer performed by the ego but is seen as a service to the Divine, with the actor acting as an instrument of God's will. 

6. Self-Surrender
In this pivotal sub-chapter, Swami Sivananda emphasizes the importance of self-surrender (prapatti) in the practice of Karma Yoga. He explains that self-surrender is the ultimate form of surrendering one’s actions to the Divine. When an individual surrenders their ego and desires, they are no longer bound by the fruits of their actions. Swami Sivananda teaches that this self-surrender is not an abandonment of duty, but a deep acknowledgment that all actions, thoughts, and desires belong to God. This complete surrender allows a practitioner to live in a state of constant devotion, where every action becomes an offering to the Divine. By cultivating this attitude of self-surrender, the practitioner purifies their mind and heart, ultimately achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death. 

7. Karma Yoga Better than Renunciation
The final sub-chapter highlights Swami Sivananda’s view that Karma Yoga is superior to the traditional renunciation of worldly life. He argues that while renunciation may seem like the ideal path for some, it is not the only way to achieve liberation. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna points out that renunciation (sannyasa) without proper selfless action is futile. Swami Sivananda agrees with this interpretation and emphasizes that true renunciation is not about abandoning the world but performing one's duties without attachment. By practicing Karma Yoga, an individual remains in the world but transcends worldly desires, purifying their consciousness and attaining spiritual enlightenment. Thus, Karma Yoga is presented as a more practical and accessible path for most individuals, enabling them to live a life of service, devotion, and inner peace while still engaging in the world. 

Conclusion
In Chapter 7 of The Practice of Karma Yoga, Sri Swami Sivananda offers a profound understanding of Karma Yoga as it is taught in the Bhagavad Gita. He shows how Karma Yoga is not merely about physical action, but about aligning one's intentions and actions with the Divine will. Swami Sivananda’s interpretation of the Gita teaches us that selfless action, when performed with the right attitude and devotion, leads to liberation from the bondage of karma. By surrendering the ego, transcending the gunas, and working without attachment to results, individuals can achieve spiritual freedom while still fulfilling their worldly duties. Karma Yoga, as presented by Swami Sivananda, is a universal path that guides individuals to a higher state of consciousness, ultimately leading them to the realization of their true nature.  

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