KARMA YOGA 3

Be that as it may, we are all held in the sway of karma and are caught in its meshes. Action and reaction proceed from us in a seemingly unending cycle holding us captive souls in the prison-house of the psycho-physical complex. Whence we come, whither we go, why we are here, these profound questions of life are all inextricably linked to karma. Our understanding of karma, thus, becomes imperative if we are to seek happiness, knowledge, peace and, eventually, freedom from the trans-migratory cycle of birth and rebirth. Karma in its workings is so intricate that to get to the base of it requires complete mastery of the mind through yogic control and herein lies the connection of Karma Yoga with Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga. Thus is the Geeta the perfect synthesis of the four yogas despite apparent contradictions. Thus is the modern prescription of Swami Vivekananda of the practice of the four yogas as the synthetic means of activating world-welfare and attaining Self-realisation.