Nishkama Karma

This phrase is from the first line of Yoga Mala 2002 edition. The footnote explains the following:

“Nishkama Karma (nish – without + kama – desire : karma – action) is an action performed without a wish or desire for the “fruits” or results, of such action. The ultimate yogic ideal is to perform all actions without desire for personal gain and to offer instead the fruits of all actions to God. Performing actions with the mind directed towards results increases ego and keeps us bonded to the idea of “I” and “mine”, while offering the fruits of actions to God leads toward surrender to the divine will and liberation from the idea of a separate self.”

(page 3 – Yoga Mala, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, North Point Press paperback edition, 2002)

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