“…Actions by themselves do not bind a person. It is the attachment and identification in regard to the work that binds us and brings ups pain and misery. It is the motive that binds you. It is the motive that liberates you.
“Work, but work with detachment. In every act kindle the light of divine love. Always remember your essential divine nature and act in the world in a spirit of divine dedication. This world is ruled by the Lord’s eternal laws. In the east, the great law of cause and effect is called karma. In the New Testament the same truth is expressed in the words: ‘Whatever a man sows, that will he also reap.’ (Gal. 6-7).
“Actions produce samskara that coalesce and form tendencies. Tendencies develop into habits and character. Evil deeds generate bad character.
“Actions, without the idea of agency, without expectation of fruits, without attachment to the action, and not being balanced in success and failure, will not bind you. Selfless actions purify your heart and lead to the attainment of wisdom of the self.
“Karma yoga is skill in action. It is a great art. You have to take as much interest in each act that you perform daily, as an artist takes in his dearly loved paintings. Note how, after keen deliberation, the artist puts the brush – his entire mind is centered on the work in hand – his entire being is focused on the painting – he works self-forgetfully. This should be your attitude. Take this interest in all that you do and at the same time be detached from all of your actions. Then you will not be bound to samsara.”
-Sri Swami Sivananda
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