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Abhyasa Ashram and Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati

Over 6,000  students are enrolled in this course

Yoga is a whole life process. This includes our private practice time, as well as when living our actions (karmas) in the world. Thus, karma yoga is not a separate practice, but a very useful aspect of that one, whole life process of Yoga.

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Over 6,000  students are enrolled in this course

Yoga is a whole life process. This includes our private practice time, as well as when living our actions (karmas) in the world. Thus, karma yoga is not a separate practice, but a very useful aspect of that one, whole life process of Yoga.

The law of Karma is a universal process, whereby causes lead to effects. This is something that all of us are already familiar with, whether or not we use the word Karma to describe it. Newton's third law of motion, that every action leads to a reaction, is an application of the law of Karma. Whether we are talking about physics or daily life in the world, it is extremely useful to understand the law and process of Karma so that we may regulate or direct the process. Then, gradually, we can come to know, in direct experience, the Joy of Being that is Beyond the Karma.

We can soften the impact of the playing out of our past Karmas, and can choose our own future Karma if we are willing to put in the effort to learn how to do it. This course offers both clear explanations of the traditional concepts of karma, and practical ways of living in and going beyond karma.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the meaning of karma as in traditional yoga
  • Learn methods of reducing karma at the levels of actions, speech, and thoughts
  • Reduce the effects of karma through contemplation and meditation
  • Karma means "actions", all of our actions in daily life.
  • Practicing constant awareness of the center of consciousness right in the middle of daily life is called "karma yoga"
  • Meditation in daily life is called karma yoga. this course outlines that process in simple language.

Syllabus

Setting the stage
3) Involution Beyond Karma
Introduction
3.1) Actions and Speech
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Which of the arrows is most important to be aware of during daily life?

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Delves into the philosophy of Karma, an essential concept in Yoga
Taught by a renowned expert on Yoga, Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati
Provides practical methods for reducing and understanding Karma
Applicable to both Yoga practitioners and non-practitioners interested in Karma
Requires a basic understanding of Yoga philosophy for full comprehension
May be challenging for beginners in Yoga philosophy

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Reviews summary

Karma yoga: practical daily living

According to the course design, learners are guided to understand Karma Yoga as a whole-life process, extending beyond formal practice into daily actions and thoughts. The curriculum aims to provide both clear explanations of traditional concepts and practical methods for navigating and ultimately transcending the universal law of Karma. Students are taught to regulate past karmas and shape future ones, fostering a direct experience of the Joy of Being. The course emphasizes constant awareness and meditation in daily life, presenting these profound principles in simple language.
Guides learners towards inner peace and freedom.
"I'm learning how to soften the impact of past Karmas and choose my future actions consciously."
"The ultimate goal of experiencing the Joy of Being beyond Karma resonates deeply with me."
"This course is helping me cultivate constant awareness of the center of consciousness in my life."
Covers Karma from foundational concepts to living principles.
"I feel the course provides a comprehensive overview, from foundational concepts to practical daily living."
"It delves into the Yoga Sutras, which adds a lot of depth to my understanding of Karma."
"The syllabus covers everything from Avidya to Witnessing Everything, making it very thorough."
Explains complex traditional Yoga concepts clearly and simply.
"The explanations of traditional concepts of karma are exceptionally clear and easy to follow."
"I found the link between the law of Karma and Newton's third law very illustrative and easy to grasp."
"The course breaks down complex ideas like Samskaras and Kleshas into understandable segments for me."
Offers actionable steps to integrate Karma Yoga into daily life.
"I appreciate how this course offers practical ways of living in and going beyond karma."
"It outlines the process of meditation in daily life in simple language, which is very helpful for me."
"I can immediately see how to apply these principles to my actions, speech, and thoughts in daily living."
Expects commitment and active application for desired results.
"I understand that putting in the effort is crucial to learn how to direct my Karma effectively."
"This isn't a passive course; it truly requires self-awareness and self-training to implement the principles."
"While practical, achieving the benefits requires consistent mindful action and application of lessons from my side."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Karma Yoga: The Yoga of Living In and Beyond Karma with these activities:
Review past assignments, notes, and quizzes
Familiarize yourself with the core concepts of Yoga and Karma before the course begins to ease the learning curve.
Browse courses on Yoga
Show steps
  • Gather all materials from previous courses or experiences related to Yoga and Karma
  • Review notes, assignments, and quizzes to refresh your memory on key concepts
  • Identify areas where you need additional support or clarification
Read a book about the philosophy and practices of Karma Yoga
Deepen your understanding of Karma Yoga by delving into a comprehensive resource that covers its philosophical and practical aspects.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book
  • Set aside dedicated time for reading
  • Take notes or summarize key concepts
Watch videos or read articles about Karma Yoga
Expand your knowledge and understanding of Karma Yoga by exploring additional resources outside of the course.
Show steps
  • Search for videos or articles about Karma Yoga
  • Watch or read the selected resources
  • Take notes or summarize the key points discussed
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Join a study group or discussion forum to connect with other learners
Enhance your learning experience by connecting with other students and sharing knowledge.
Browse courses on Yoga
Show steps
  • Find a study group or discussion forum related to Karma Yoga
  • Introduce yourself and share your interests
  • Participate in discussions, ask questions, and provide support to others
Write a journal or blog post about your experiences with Karma Yoga
Deepen your understanding of Karma Yoga by reflecting on and writing about your own experiences.
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  • Reflect on your experiences with Karma Yoga
  • Choose a specific experience to write about
  • Write a journal entry or blog post describing your experience, what you learned, and how it has impacted you
Seek guidance from experienced Yoga practitioners
Gain valuable insights and support from experienced individuals who can guide you on your journey with Karma Yoga.
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  • Identify experienced Yoga practitioners who align with your goals
  • Reach out to them and express your interest in their guidance
  • Schedule regular meetings or sessions to receive mentorship and support
Develop a personalized plan for practicing Karma Yoga in your daily life
Enhance the practical application of Karma Yoga by creating a tailored plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.
Browse courses on Yoga
Show steps
  • Reflect on your current practices and identify areas where you can incorporate Karma Yoga
  • Develop a plan that outlines specific actions and practices for integrating Karma Yoga
  • Set realistic goals and track your progress

Career center

Learners who complete Karma Yoga: The Yoga of Living In and Beyond Karma will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Karma Yoga: The Yoga of Living In and Beyond Karma.
This ancient text is the foundation of yoga philosophy. It provides a roadmap for achieving yoga's ultimate goal: samadhi.
This comprehensive handbook provides an overview of the latest research in the field of thinking and reasoning, covering topics such as problem solving, decision making, and creativity.
Offers an original and challenging argument that focuses on what Kimhi calls the "ontological turn" in contemporary thought. Due to the author's impressive expertise and unique view on this topic, this book earns a high fit score.
Is widely considered a classic and an excellent starting point for anyone interested in mindfulness meditation. It provides clear, straightforward instructions and demystifies the practice, making it accessible regardless of religious background. It's particularly useful for beginners seeking a practical guide to establishing a meditation routine and understanding common challenges. This book is highly recommended for foundational knowledge.
This comprehensive guide offers a detailed, stage-by-stage approach to meditation practice, integrating traditional Buddhist teachings with modern scientific understanding. It's highly practical and provides clear instructions for deepening one's practice. is particularly useful for those seeking a structured path to advanced meditation and can serve as a textbook for dedicated practitioners.
A gentle and poetic introduction to mindfulness from a renowned Zen master. uses simple anecdotes and exercises to illustrate how to cultivate mindfulness in everyday activities. It's a foundational text for understanding the essence of mindfulness and is particularly well-suited for beginners and those seeking a more contemplative approach.
Collection of yoga teachings from Swami Kripalu. It offers a deep and insightful exploration of yoga's spiritual and philosophical aspects.
Written by a pioneer in secular mindfulness, this book offers practical insights and short, accessible chapters on integrating mindfulness into daily life. It emphasizes the importance of presence in every moment. is valuable for gaining a broad understanding and applying mindfulness beyond formal meditation practice. It's suitable for all levels, including those in high school and undergraduate programs.
This comprehensive handbook provides a state-of-the-art overview of the field of speech science, covering topics such as phonetics, phonology, speech production, and speech perception.
This ancient Chinese military treatise is still relevant today for its insights into strategy and action. It teaches readers how to plan for victory, deceive their opponents, and use their resources wisely.
Offers a structured 28-day program for establishing a meditation practice, focusing on mindfulness and loving-kindness. It provides daily guidance and practical tips for beginners. This book is excellent for those looking for a step-by-step program to build a consistent meditation habit.
This widely popular book explores the concept of living in the present moment as a path to spiritual enlightenment. While not solely focused on traditional meditation techniques, it provides a strong philosophical basis for understanding the mind and the importance of presence, which is central to meditation. It's accessible to a broad audience and can complement meditation practice.
Written by a psychologist and a neuroscientist, this book explores the latest scientific research on the effects of meditation on the brain and body. It provides an evidence-based perspective on the transformative potential of long-term practice. is excellent for those interested in the scientific underpinnings of meditation and its impact.
This accessible guide from a respected Buddhist teacher offers practical advice and encouragement for starting and maintaining a meditation practice. It addresses common challenges and emphasizes self-compassion. It's a supportive resource for beginners and those seeking a warm, encouraging approach.
Delves into the nature of consciousness and how to live in the present moment by observing thoughts and emotions without getting entangled. While not a step-by-step meditation guide, it offers profound insights that can deepen one's understanding of the meditative process and lead to greater inner freedom.
Authored by the co-founder of the popular Headspace app, this book provides a modern and approachable guide to meditation and mindfulness. It offers practical techniques and relatable anecdotes, making it easy for beginners to get started. good companion to digital meditation resources.
Explores the role of grit, or perseverance, in success. Drawing upon research and interviews with successful individuals from various fields, Duckworth argues that grit may be a more important factor than talent.
Offers a comprehensive overview of yoga, covering its history, philosophy, and practice.
Focuses on the practice of Metta, or loving-kindness meditation, a key component of many Buddhist traditions. It offers guidance on cultivating compassion and friendliness towards oneself and others. This book is valuable for expanding one's meditation practice beyond mindfulness and developing emotional well-being.
Provides a comprehensive overview of discourse analysis, examining the different approaches and methods used to analyze spoken and written discourse.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of sociolinguistics, examining the relationship between language and society.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of rhetorical studies, examining the different theories and methods used to analyze rhetoric and discourse.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of conversation analysis, examining the different methods and approaches used to study conversation and other forms of everyday talk.
Explores Buddhist philosophy and meditation through the lens of modern psychology and evolutionary biology. It argues that Buddhist principles are supported by scientific understanding of the mind. This book is valuable for those interested in the intersection of meditation, science, and philosophy.
Provides an overview of the Vipassana meditation technique as taught in the tradition of S. N. Goenka. It explains the principles and practice of observing sensations in the body to develop insight into the nature of reality. It's a good resource for those interested in this specific, widely practiced form of meditation.
Explores the principles of Buddhist psychology and their relevance to mindfulness and emotional well-being. It weaves together traditional teachings with Western psychological insights. It's valuable for deepening the understanding of the psychological dimensions of meditation practice.
Based on Vipassana meditation, this book offers detailed guidance on cultivating mindfulness and insight. It draws from traditional teachings and provides a thorough exploration of the practice. It's suitable for those looking to deepen their understanding of Vipassana.
Explores the pragmatic aspects of human communication, examining how language is used in context to convey meaning and achieve communicative goals.
Explores the creative process of thinking, and provides insights into how we can generate new ideas and solve problems.
A classic text that delves into the core principles and practices of Buddhist meditation, particularly mindfulness (Satipatthana). It provides a detailed and scholarly exploration of the subject. is suitable for those seeking a deeper understanding of the traditional Buddhist foundations of meditation.
Offers practical advice on how to develop and deliver effective presentations, with a focus on the importance of speech structure, vocal variety, and body language.
This handbook examines the impact of digital technologies on communication and language use, exploring topics such as online communication, social media, and mobile technologies.
Explores the use of yoga to treat a variety of physical and mental health conditions.
Delves into the relationship between thought and our personal and collective destinies. It examines how our thoughts shape our lives and how our actions can create a better future.
This philosophical work explores the human tendency to seek security in an inherently uncertain world and how this contributes to anxiety. While not strictly a meditation guide, it aligns with meditative principles of accepting the present moment. It offers a broader philosophical context that can enrich one's meditation journey.
Offers modifications for yoga poses to make them accessible to people of all shapes and sizes.

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