The word ‘Karma’ has been derived from the sanskrit word ‘Kri’ which means to do.  Karma includes all actions or deeds.  Even thinking is karma.  Karma is the sum total of all acts, both in present and preceding life.  Law- As a man sow so shall he reap nIf karma is good, it returns happiness, gain, success  and if karma is bad it will return us grief, pain, loss, failure 

Concepts of Karma   

1.Prarabdha Karma- means those actions out of the accumulated Sanchit Karmas which have now become ripe and are ready to give fruits.  They are commonly known as destiny, fate, fortune etc. 

2.Kriyaman Karma- means an action done at the spur of the moment or present which instantaneously bears fruit and results in reaction

3.Sanchit Karma- means the actions done but not yet ripe to give fruits immediately, but take some time to ripen.  Such karmas are kept pending in balance waiting for the opportune time to become ripe and give fruits in future.  Till then they are accumulated. 

Types of Karmas

1.Constructive and Destructive Actions

2.Obligatory Actions

3.Prohibited Actions

4.Optional Actions

5.Ethical Actions 

Process of bondage of karmas 

Karmas are derivatives of karman particles The karman particles are made up of non-living matter (pudgals) and are scattered and floating all over the universe A cluster of karman particles is called a karman vargana.  When these karman varganas get attached to the soul they are called karmas.  This process is called bondage of karmas to the soul. 

When our activities are unintentional or without any passion, these karmas are called Dravya Karmas

When our activities are intentional or with passion they are called Bhava Karmas.  They stay longer time with the soul while dravya karmas fall off almost immediately. 

Karmas 

1.Dstructive (ghati)- destroy true nature of the soul

2.Non-destructive (aghati)- only affect the body in which the soul resides 

Intensity of Bondage of the Karmas 

1.Loose Bondage- e.g. repent

2.Tight Bondage- e.g. atonement

3.Tighter Bondage- e.g. austerities

4.Tightest Bondage- e.g. bear the results 

Actions Lead to Paths 

1.Path of activity and desire- action with desire of reward (Sakam)

2.Path of desirelessness- action without desire of reward (Nishkam) 

Benefits

1.It is the way of ethical action

2.Self-management is consistent with Karma yoga

3.Practicing karma yoga helps us practice deep awareness of self

4.It manages and controls the anger

5.Selfishness is eradicated

6.Feeling of oneness and unity will come

7.Realization of one in all and all in one will come

8.It brings ek-buddhi

9.It protects from greatest fear

10.Brings more harmony  of Karma Yoga  

Karam Yoga and Ethical Action 

Active resistance to unethical action is the central idea in the karma doctrine Nishkam Karma and Sakam Karma 

Nishkma karma relates to detached involvement with the material world

Sakam Karma relates to attached involvement with the material world

Sakam Sadhna- spiritual practice done with the expectations of worldly achievements like a good job, promotion at work etc.

Nishka Sadhna- spiritual practice done with the sole aim of spiritual growth

Nishkam Karma and the Business World  

Nishkam Karma is the best route for self-development and transformation for managers and workers