Karma Yoga is one of the four primary paths of spiritual realization in Hindu philosophy, emphasizing the path of selfless action and dedicated service. It is based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharat. Karma Yoga teaches that by performing one’s duties and actions without attachment to the results, individuals can attain spiritual growth and liberation.

Karma Yoga (selfless action) is considered one of the four primary paths to spiritual liberation, along with Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Jnana Yoga (wisdom), and Raja Yoga (meditation). Key principles and practices associated with Karma Yoga include:

1. Selfless Action (Nishkama Karma): Karma Yoga encourages individuals to perform their duties and actions without attachment to the fruits or outcomes. Practitioners focus on the selfless and dedicated performance of their responsibilities, surrendering the desire for personal gain or reward.
2. Duty and Responsibility (Dharma): Karma Yoga emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one’s duties and responsibilities according to one’s role in life and societal obligations. Dharma, the righteous path, guides individuals in making ethical and moral choices.
3. Detachment from Results: Practitioners of Karma Yoga learn to detach themselves from the results of their actions. By recognizing that outcomes are often beyond their control, individuals focus on the sincerity and dedication with which they perform their duties, leaving the results to a higher power.
4. Equanimity (Samatva): Karma Yogis cultivate a sense of equanimity and mental balance in the face of success and failure, pleasure and pain. Maintaining an even-minded approach helps in navigating the ups and downs of life without being overly affected by external circumstances.
5. Service to Others (Seva): Service to others is a central aspect of Karma Yoga. Practitioners engage in selfless service, contributing to the welfare of society, without seeking personal recognition or reward. Seva is seen as a way to express devotion and love for the divine present in all beings.
6. Yoga of Action: Karma Yoga is often referred to as the “Yoga of Action” because it integrates the principles of yoga into everyday activities. It emphasizes the idea that spiritual growth is achievable not only through meditation and contemplation but also through selfless and dedicated action in the world.
7. Purification of the Mind: Engaging in selfless actions purifies the mind and reduces the ego. Karma Yoga is seen as a transformative practice that helps individuals overcome selfish desires, egocentric tendencies, and the bondage of karma (the law of cause and effect).
8. Integrating Other Yogas: While Karma Yoga is a distinct path, it can be integrated with other yogic paths, such as Bhakti Yoga (devotion) and Jnana Yoga (knowledge). The Bhagavad Gita, where the teachings of Karma Yoga are expounded, also discusses the harmonious integration of various yogic paths.

Prominent figures in Hindu philosophy, such as Swami Vivekananda, have emphasized the importance of Karma Yoga in practical spirituality and social service. The concept of Karma Yoga extends beyond Hinduism and has inspired individuals in various spiritual traditions to engage in selfless service for the benefit of humanity.