KARMA YOGA - 3. SVADHARMA - ONE’S OWN DUTY - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma Yoga
- Author
- Sri Swami Sivananda
- Published
- Wed 25 Dec 2024
- Episode Link
- https://www.spreaker.com/episode/karma-yoga-3-svadharma-one-s-own-duty-sri-swami-sivananda-the-practice-of-karma-yoga--63467897
KARMA YOGA - 3. SVADHARMA - ONE’S OWN DUTY - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma Yoga - with FULL English Translation of all Sanskrit Words.
Chapter 3: Svadharma
In Chapter 3 of Sri Swami Sivananda's "The Practice of Karma Yoga", the concept of Svadharma is explored in-depth. Svadharma, or "one's own duty," is a cornerstone of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action. Swami Sivananda emphasizes the significance of performing one's prescribed duties, according to one's nature, without attachment to the results. This chapter provides clarity on how to understand and adhere to Svadharma, guiding aspirants in their spiritual journey toward liberation.
1. What Is Svadharma?
Svadharma refers to the personal duty or responsibility that an individual must fulfill based on their nature, station in life, and social position. According to Swami Sivananda, every person has a unique role in the cosmic order, and fulfilling that role with devotion is crucial for spiritual growth. Svadharma is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It is based on the inherent qualities of an individual (their guna), and it is aligned with the duties prescribed by their societal role, which can include being a student, a householder, a warrior, or a sage. The core of Svadharma lies in performing one’s duties without ego, without seeking personal gain, and without attachment to the fruits of action. Swami Sivananda teaches that by following one's Svadharma, a person contributes to the harmony of the world and attains inner peace. Importantly, Svadharma should be chosen and followed with a sense of right conduct (dharma) rather than from selfish desires or egoistic motives.
2. Duties of Man
Swami Sivananda explains that duty is an essential aspect of human life, and it encompasses various facets such as moral, social, familial, and spiritual obligations. The duties of a man are guided by the principles of dharma, which vary based on the individual's role and stage of life (the ashramas). Duties are inherently connected with the roles one plays in society. A student’s duty is to study and acquire knowledge; a householder’s duty is to support their family and contribute to society; a warrior’s duty is to protect and uphold justice; and a spiritual aspirant’s duty is to meditate and seek self-realization. Swami Sivananda emphasizes that all duties should be performed selflessly, without attachment to personal desires, for they purify the heart and mind, enabling spiritual progress. By focusing on one’s own duties and avoiding interference with the duties of others, individuals can maintain the proper order of life and contribute to the greater good.
3. The Three Gunas
The concept of the three gunas—Sattva (goodness, purity), Rajas (activity, passion), and Tamas (inertia, ignorance)—is essential in understanding Svadharma. Swami Sivananda explains that each individual is influenced by these gunas to varying degrees, and their actions are a reflection of the dominant guna. These qualities shape an individual’s nature, character, and behavior.
Chapter 3: Svadharma
In Chapter 3 of Sri Swami Sivananda's "The Practice of Karma Yoga", the concept of Svadharma is explored in-depth. Svadharma, or "one's own duty," is a cornerstone of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action. Swami Sivananda emphasizes the significance of performing one's prescribed duties, according to one's nature, without attachment to the results. This chapter provides clarity on how to understand and adhere to Svadharma, guiding aspirants in their spiritual journey toward liberation.
1. What Is Svadharma?
Svadharma refers to the personal duty or responsibility that an individual must fulfill based on their nature, station in life, and social position. According to Swami Sivananda, every person has a unique role in the cosmic order, and fulfilling that role with devotion is crucial for spiritual growth. Svadharma is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It is based on the inherent qualities of an individual (their guna), and it is aligned with the duties prescribed by their societal role, which can include being a student, a householder, a warrior, or a sage. The core of Svadharma lies in performing one’s duties without ego, without seeking personal gain, and without attachment to the fruits of action. Swami Sivananda teaches that by following one's Svadharma, a person contributes to the harmony of the world and attains inner peace. Importantly, Svadharma should be chosen and followed with a sense of right conduct (dharma) rather than from selfish desires or egoistic motives.
2. Duties of Man
Swami Sivananda explains that duty is an essential aspect of human life, and it encompasses various facets such as moral, social, familial, and spiritual obligations. The duties of a man are guided by the principles of dharma, which vary based on the individual's role and stage of life (the ashramas). Duties are inherently connected with the roles one plays in society. A student’s duty is to study and acquire knowledge; a householder’s duty is to support their family and contribute to society; a warrior’s duty is to protect and uphold justice; and a spiritual aspirant’s duty is to meditate and seek self-realization. Swami Sivananda emphasizes that all duties should be performed selflessly, without attachment to personal desires, for they purify the heart and mind, enabling spiritual progress. By focusing on one’s own duties and avoiding interference with the duties of others, individuals can maintain the proper order of life and contribute to the greater good.
3. The Three Gunas
The concept of the three gunas—Sattva (goodness, purity), Rajas (activity, passion), and Tamas (inertia, ignorance)—is essential in understanding Svadharma. Swami Sivananda explains that each individual is influenced by these gunas to varying degrees, and their actions are a reflection of the dominant guna. These qualities shape an individual’s nature, character, and behavior.
- Sattva: When predominating, it leads to actions characterized by purity, wisdom, and harmony. People dominated by Sattva are inclined toward selfless service, spirituality, and contemplation.
- Rajas: When predominating, Rajas results in desires, ambition, and action driven by personal goals. Those dominated by Rajas tend to be driven by worldly ambitions and attachment to the fruits of their labor.
- Tamas: When predominating, it leads to lethargy, ignorance, and confusion. People with a predominance of Tamas are often stuck in inertia, indulging in ignorance and selfish desires.
