Karma Yoga: Karma in its effect on character

Karma Yoga book authored by Swami Vivekananda. This book contains six different chapters. In this book Swamijee has explained Karma as the basic principle of life through the essence of Bhagavad Gita. 

The first chapter discussed about "Karma in its effect on character". Karma word originate from Sanskrit word "Kri" that means "Karma", but in KarmaYoga the word "Karma" mean only "action". The ultimate goal of human being is knowledge gain.  

If we look at the character of human being, it will appear that in reality they are the sum of their mental tendencies and mental inclinations. All knowledge inherit in human being. Whatever knowledge has been gained in the world, it has comes out of the mind itself. Swamijee said if you want to help someone, don't think about how that person will react to them. Don't wait for him to thank you or expect him to do something for you in return. If you want to do good deeds, just stick to it. Instead of thinking about a reward, think about doing more good deeds. 

Further in this chapter, Swamijee explained how "Aatma" formed and their various aspects. As will the Karma, so will the development of "will". He advised try working without any selfish motive for just five minutes. It is also very difficult for you or even the thought of not getting anything in return for any work bother us, so working without any selfish motive also shows our real power. Swami Vivekananda said if we really want to test the character of a human, then do not test him on works great deeds. Even a fool is brave on a special occasion and in fact these are the only things by which we can know the true character of a great man.