Karma yoga is also known as Buddhi yoga. This is a spiritual form of yoga based on an ancient text known as the Bhagavad Gita. The translation in Sanskrit of karma is action and yoga is union, so Karma yoga is designed to create a path of unity through action.
This form of yoga is the most commonly practiced by members of the Hindu religion. It is different from hatha yoga, bikram yoga and other forms of yoga exercise in that karma yoga brings together the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga practice.
Not all practitioners of Karma yoga are Hindu. Rather than being a religion in the traditional sense, Karma yoga is a way of thinking and behaving in life that involves a realization of acting according to duty unselfishly in order to improve the world and attain enlightenment.
The term karma is often used and not often fully understood in society. Phrases like “karma will get you,” can be heard in every day conversation. In Karma yoga, karma can be a physical action or a mental action, as well as the results of a person’s actions, whether positive or negative.
Although some consider these ideas to be in opposition to religious beliefs, they actually mesh well with other religious beliefs. In many ways, this is more a philosophy of thinking, living and acting in the world, rather than a religion. The practice can stand alone or work in combination with other religious beliefs.
Many of the practices and actions in karma yoga are similar to beliefs in Christianity, Islam and other belief systems. In Karma yoga, all actions on and off the yoga mat, are designed to help the practitioner live in union with the Divine and in service to others and humanity.
In addition to service of humanity and living in union with the Divine, remaining in balance in life through times of both success and failure are stressed. The balance of the mind, body and spirit is part of all yoga practices, whether spiritual or merely physical.