Chapter 3: Karm Yog (3.5)

Chapter 3: Karm Yog
na hi kaśhchit kṣhaṇam api jātu tiṣhṭhatyakarma-kṛit
kāryate hyavaśhaḥ karma sarvaḥ prakṛiti-jair guṇaiḥ || 5||

My Understanding : No one can exist without performing karma. Even the simple acts of breathing and the beating of the heart are forms of karma. Whether you’re sleeping or sitting idle, you are still engaged in karma—it is unavoidable. Controlling your conscience and senses is part of the practice of yoga, but this is only achievable when you are on the correct path. Facing your own intentions is like battling with your own hand—it is an internal struggle. When your intentions within your conscience align with your senses, they give rise to willpower (sankalpa) to act. Suppressing your desires is a mistake and goes against the essence of yoga. Yoga is not about denial but about balance and alignment. True yogabhyasa (yogic practice) should bring you happiness and inner harmony, not suppression or discomfort.

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