In-Depth Discussion on Karma Yoga by Swami Vivekananda
A session held on 20 October 2024 on Swami Vivekananda's book Karma Yoga and its big ideas: work done for its own sake, duty, letting go of results, and helping without expecting anything back. Not a scripture reading. The question all evening is what ordinary people make of these ideas at the office, at home and with family. Twelve independent cards; open four or five.
The opening question
What's one thing you do regularly, at home or at work, that nobody would notice unless you stopped doing it?
Everyone in the room answers this in one line before any card is opened. Write the answers down; you will come back to them.
The cards
12 ways into the topic
Each card is independent. Your group votes on which to open, and four or five is plenty for an hour. Behind every card sit three prompts, one at a time, that only appear once it is opened on the board. Unopened cards keep for next time.
- 1
Not Caring About Results
Your parents tell you, “Just do your best and don't think about the marks.” Then the results come out, and everyone asks about the marks.
- 2
Wanting Credit At Work
You stayed late and fixed the problem. In the meeting, your boss thanks someone else. Nobody corrects it.
- 3
Expecting Thanks For Helping
You helped a friend for weeks to get a job. They got it. They said thanks once, and now they talk as if they did it alone.
- 4
What Children Owe Parents
Your parents paid for your school, your college, maybe your wedding. They never asked for anything back. But everyone assumes you'll look after them.
- 5
Letting Go Of Your Children
You picked the school, the subjects, the coaching. Now your child wants a life you never imagined for them.
- 6
Doing A Job You Don't Love
You didn't dream of this job. It pays the bills. Your friends post about loving their work, and you just want Friday.
- 7
Doing Things Out Of Duty
There's a wedding you don't want to go to. A relative you visit because you have to. A call you make every Sunday, whether you feel like it or not.
- 8
Work As Worship
Your boss stays till ten every night and calls it dedication. Your friend logs off at six sharp and calls it balance.
- 9
Praise Or Harsh Words
One teacher praised you, and you relaxed. Another shouted at you, and you worked twice as hard to prove them wrong.
- 10
Giving Money On The Street
The car stops at a red light. A child taps on the window. You have coins on the dashboard. The light is about to change.
- 11
Being Indispensable
You haven't taken a proper holiday in years. If you're away, who will handle it?
- 12
Why Working For Money Is Fine
In defence of working for the salary, the title and the applause.
The line to leave with
Of everything you did this week, which piece of work would you still have done if nobody had ever found out?
More boards,more ways in.
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