KARMA YOGA - 1. YOGA OF SERVICE: Power of Selfless Service - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma Yoga

KARMA YOGA - 1. YOGA OF SERVICE: The Power of Selfless Service - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma Yoga - with FULL English Translation of all Sanskrit Words.

Chapter 1: Yoga of Service 
Swami Sivananda, a revered sage and spiritual guide, introduced the practice of Karma Yoga as one of the central paths to spiritual liberation. In his teachings, he emphasizes that Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action, is not only a way to purify the mind but also a means to unite with the Divine. In Chapter 1 of his work The Practice of Karma Yoga, titled Yoga of Service, Swami Sivananda describes how selfless service leads to personal growth, mental peace, and spiritual enlightenment. This chapter is divided into several underchapters, each explaining essential concepts related to Karma Yoga.

1. Who Is God?
In this section, Swami Sivananda discusses the nature of God. He describes God as the ultimate reality, the source of all creation, and the underlying force of the universe. God is beyond form, attributes, and conceptualization. God is the supreme consciousness, and all beings are interconnected through this divine essence. By performing selfless service, the practitioner connects with this divine energy and purifies their heart, gradually realizing the presence of God in every aspect of life. God, as the omnipotent force, resides within all beings, making selfless service to others an expression of devotion to God.

2. Yoga of Service
Swami Sivananda explains that Yoga of Service is a practical way to purify the mind and body while engaging in action. The key to this practice is performing selfless service without expecting any reward. By focusing on the needs of others, the practitioner learns to overcome their ego, desires, and attachment to results. Service becomes a spiritual practice when done with a pure heart and the intention to serve humanity as an expression of devotion to God. Through selfless service, the practitioner moves closer to the goal of union with the Divine.

3. What Is Karma?
In this section, Sivananda defines Karma as the action or deeds performed by individuals in their lifetime. Every action, whether good or bad, creates consequences, either in this life or future ones. Karma is the law of cause and effect, where every action has a corresponding reaction. In the practice of Karma Yoga, it is crucial to perform actions without attachment to their outcomes, focusing solely on fulfilling one's duty with a selfless attitude. Sivananda emphasizes that by surrendering the fruits of actions to the Divine, one can transcend the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and attain liberation.

4. Right and Wrong Action
Swami Sivananda addresses the importance of distinguishing between right and wrong actions. Right actions are those aligned with dharma, or righteous duty, and contribute to the well-being of oneself and others. Wrong actions, on the other hand, arise from selfish desires, ego, and ignorance, leading to negative consequences. In Karma Yoga, it is essential to purify the mind and heart to understand the nature of actions clearly. By performing actions according to dharma, the practitioner can engage in selfless service without causing harm and will progress on the spiritual path.

5. Nishkamya Karma Yoga
The concept of Nishkamya Karma Yoga is central to Swami Sivananda's teachings. It refers to selfless action performed without any attachment to the results. Nishkama means “without desire,” and Karma Yoga in its highest form is the practice of performing duties with a pure heart, without expecting any rewards or outcomes. Sivananda emphasizes that attachment to the fruits of action causes suffering, while selfless service...