The Meaning of Karm

Om Namah Shivaya!

The definition of Karm is different for everyone, but the underlying confused logic somehow synchronizes ironically. Let’s dive directly into the article. Let’s check if your definition of karm remains unchanged at the end of this article. Take this challenge!

As Krishna says,

“कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥”

In simple words, he is asking us to focus on the karm(deeds) alone without being attached or inspired by the attractive or favourable imaginary results or being detached or dejected of it by the disappointing unfavourable scary outcomes.

One may ask, “why would I even do anything if I have to stop being inspired presuming the results? What will I get? What’s the point anyway, right?“

Well, my dear, I was in the same situation. I spent days meditating to find answers, tapping my subconscious mind. I wondered why I would even mediate if I hadn’t wished to find answers to this question - I mean, it’s confusing and contradicting in itself. In simple words, I wanted an answer, and that’s why I was meditating. Having an end goal motivated me to begin this task.

I couldn’t find an answer to it for a very long time. I thought it’s not my cup of tea to truly understand, and I shifted my attention, focusing on other priorities in my life. Few days passed, but the reality check of not having an answer to my quest made me restless. “There should be an answer for why anyone should do anything without expectations” didn’t let me sleep peacefully. I absorbed myself in this thought while I continued meditating on it. I started doubting myself — am I so dumb that I couldn’t find the answer to it? Lol!

But there was a point that I was so absorbed in the thought that I had forgotten about the end goal. The end goal didn’t bother me anymore. I just focused on the quest with minimal to negligible expectations. My expectation of a desired outcome had already disappointed me earlier and often, you know. This time, I tried the opposite. I mediated SHIFTING my focus from the expected result to the quest alone. Well, that’s it! This task was the key to the realisation.

My goodness, the joy I felt realising the truth behind it changed my perspective about my deeds done in the past and had planned soon. I had a roadmap planned for my tasks, and an expected outcome with a dash of celebration to truly cherish them for a long time. I don’t lie - that had motivated me a lot and kept me going. But, when I introspected my past journey if it went exactly like I had planned or had any major hiccups - I had hardships. The journey was never seamless. I wondered if it just happened to me or if there were other souls who went through this. Well, it hit me hard, opening and activating parts of my brain that had felt dormant. Everyone had hardships in life, which no one had predicted.

I realized that the true happiness of any karm is in doing it without expectations. The universe works in mysterious ways. Sometimes, it tests your resolve. Other times, it breaks your heart. If you separate yourself or your ideology and focus only on fulfilling your karm such as your responsibilities and duties, with complete devotion and faith - it has an abundant rewarding system to return your favour in unimaginable ways. The only question is… Are you patient and dedicated enough in pursuing your karm?.

If it felt worth your time, reward it with your like and share. Thank you for your time.

Om Namah Shivaya!