PATH OF THE KARMAYOGI

QKrishna Janmashtami is also known as Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Srikrishna Jayanti or sometimes merely as Janmashtami in various parts of India. This is one of the most joyous Hindu festivals celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, a poorna avatar of the god Vishnu. Janmashtami is celebrated to encourage the good and destroy the evil.

It is observed on the ashtami tithi, the eighth day of the dark half or Krishna paksha of the month of Shraavana month in the Hindu calendar, when the Rohini nakshatra is ascendant. Born secretly in the dungeons of Kansa, Krishna’s life is replete with many mortal dangers which he successfully triumphed over. He was the invincible hero of his times both in terms of bodily prowess and intellectual brilliance.

The real meaning of Janamashtami is to become a karamyogi like Krishna. Krishna taught us karma yoga. Karma yoga is action (karma) performed without expectations or thought of reward. His message in the Gita stated that a man is bound to get the fruits of his actions. And that one should always follow the right path and never tolerate injustice.

A karmayogi works hard, both physically and mentally. He seeks to eliminate the ego and its attachments, to serve humanity without expecting rewards, and to see unity in diversity. This enables him to tune to the one underlying divine essence that dwells within all beings. Karma yoga is most suitable for people with an active temperament.

Performing one’s duty well without expecting any fruits will lead us to a satisfied life, where one can feel liberated. One should embrace life as it is, cherishing every moment coming our way without running after endless desires. Hence, the message of Janamashtami is that it is time to bring a wave of joy in society and become joyful. The writer is a tarot mentor and spiritual healer