karmayoga

Karmayoga, also spelled karma yoga, is a concept in Hindu philosophy describing the yoga of action. It holds that individuals can progress on the spiritual path by performing duties selflessly, without attachment to the results or personal gain, and by dedicating the outcomes to the divine or to the welfare of others.

The term and its central ideas are most prominently developed in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna advises Arjuna to fulfill his duty as a warrior without clinging to success or failure. This path is presented as a practical means of integrating spiritual insight with daily life, and it is often discussed alongside other paths such as jnana yoga (knowledge) and bhakti yoga (devotion).

Core principles of karmayoga include acting in accordance with dharma (righteous duty), maintaining equanimity in success and failure, and performing actions as a form of selfless service (seva) rather than for personal reward. The emphasis is on the attitude with which work is undertaken rather than the nature of the work itself.

In practice, karmayoga can manifest as mindful, ethical conduct in everyday activities, voluntary service, and responsible work performed with detachment from outcomes. It has influenced various Hindu traditions and is referenced in modern discussions of ethics, leadership, and social service as a framework for integrating spirituality with action. Critics note that interpretation varies and that emphasis on detachment must be balanced with social responsibility and compassionate motivation.