In order for Karma Yoga to be truly Karma Yoga, it has to be rooted in a spirit of non-attachment. This means that we give of ourselves without any expectation of receiving and that we are not attached to the outcome of our service. To the degree that we want things to turn out in a certain way or that we get upset when the outcome is different than our expectations, ego, not love, is still motivating us. Dr. Martin Luther King lovingly embodied the spirit of Karma Yoga. He dedicated his life to nonviolent resistance, the eradication of racism, and the alleviation of suffering. Yet, he knew that the movement he led was not about his agenda, but God’s agenda. Listen to the words he spoke the night before he was assassinated: “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God‘s will. And he’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the promised land. And I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.”
When we practice Karma Yoga we surrender the fruit of our actions to God. This surrender is essential especially in our present political climate. Many well-meaning people are engaged in worthwhile causes, trying to make a positive difference. But when their efforts do not produce the hoped-for outcome, two things tend to happen: burnout and a militant anger, both of which do nothing but cause more suffering. Karma Yoga reminds us again and again that God is in charge of all outcomes. Mother Theresa once said, “God does not want us necessarily to be successful, just faithful.”
Beloved God,
I surrender
The fruits of my actions
To you.
