Embracing Nishkama Karma for Fulfillment

Note: This is the 13th reflection in a series inspired by Self-Unfoldment by Swami Chinmayananda.

Is success measured more by our actions or by the intentions behind them? Let’s explore what it really means to achieve greatness!

As long as we live, we have no choice but to engage in action. Our actions are an expression of the life force within us, showing up as activities in the world around us. Essentially, life expresses itself through our actions, while death is characterized by inaction.

The nature of our actions varies significantly from one individual to another, as each person has unique goals shaped by their distinct temperaments and personalities. While everyone needs to work, what truly matters is how we work, the quality of our activities, and the attitude and intent with which we approach our work.

Great thinkers have categorized people engaged in work into three groups: laborers, workers, and persons of achievement. This classification isn’t based on the type of work they do, but rather the intention behind it.

Workers, on the other hand, are inspired by a higher ideal. Their efforts are driven by a vision of a better society, and they are willing to make sacrifices for it. While they still have some ego, it’s less dominant than that of a laborer.

Laborers are individuals who lack higher ideals and primarily work for personal gain, focusing on their own needs and comforts without any broader societal purpose. They may occupy various jobs, even those considered beneficial, but their motivation remains self-centered.

The rarest group is that of persons of achievement. These individuals, often seen as saints or prophets, inspire others and elevate societal standards. They work selflessly for the good of humanity, without concern for recognition or reward. Their dedication to their ideals can sometimes put them at odds with society, but they keep pushing forward, inspiring change with kindness and compassion.

Activities can be divided into two categories: those motivated by desire and those that aren’t. Actions driven by desire can include selfish pursuits, as seen with laborers, or noble goals, like workers helping society. In contrast, people of achievement engage in actions without selfish desires; they are fulfilled and content without seeking additional satisfaction. This is known as nishkama karma in Sanskrit, represents the highest form of action.

To find enthusiasm and inspiration in our work, we need to have a higher ideal that goes beyond just seeking pleasure or satisfaction. By doing so, our work becomes more joyful, reducing fatique and leading to greater fulfillment. Let’s aim to elevate our mindset from that of a laborer to a worker, and ultimately to a person of achievement, through continuous effort and inspiration!