Lord Krishna says in the Bhagwad Gita: “Tasmat sarveshu kaleshu mam anusmara yudhyacha”. Which translates as “Therefore, at all times think of Me and fight”. This means to give the mind to God and the hand to work. Half-hearted service is no service at all. Give your whole heart, mind and soul when you serve. This is very particularly important when you practise Karma Yoga.
Some people have their body in one place, mind in another place, and soul in another place. This is the reason why they do not attain any substantial progress in the path. Do not forget not the goal of life amidst selfish activities. The goal of life is Self-realisation!
The mind is programmed so as to always expect something in return for little work. When you smile at someone you expect a smile in return. When you raise your hand in salutation, you expect a salute in return. Even when you give a cup of water to another man, you expect him to be grateful. When such is the case how can you perform Nishkama Karma Yoga? We must prepare the mind for Karma Yoga by applying diligently to selfless service with the right mentalality. In other words practicing selfless action.
A true Yogi does not see any difference between menial and respectable work. It is the ignorant man who makes such a difference. Some aspirants are humble in the beginning of their spiritual career. However when they acquire the name, fame, followers, admirers, devotees and disciples, they become victims of pride.
By purifying the heart through service, all the kindred nagative qualities such as Egoism, hatred, jealousy or superiority and all the kindred negative qualities start to vanish gradually. Humility, pure love, sympathy, tolerance and mercy will be developed. The sense of separateness will be annihilated. Selfishness will be eradicated. We will procure a broad and liberal outlook on life. We begin to feel oneness and unity. Eventually we obtain knowledge of the Self. We realise “One in all” and “all in One”.
We experience unbounded joy.