What is Karma Yoga?

According to Vedanta, which is an ancient philosophy taught by the Vedas (religious texts) we all have an impurity instilled in our minds called Mala. This Mala creates the feelings of being motivated to act only really in the interest of self-gain and is what drives us to always want more for ourselves and our lives. Don’t get us wrong, this isn’t always a bad thing but it is this kind of mentality which, according to Vedanta, makes us forget that we’re more than our physical being and emotions.

There are four pain paths of yoga, which we have covered in a previous blog - The Four Paths of Yoga (Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Karma Yoga.) Karma Yoga is said to be the yoga of action. It’s about purifying your heart by learning to act selflessly.

This type of yoga teaches us compassion and kindness without any exceptions about receiving anything in return. This can be a powerful way of learning to act simply from pure intentions, about giving back and this is the heart of karma yoga.

How do you practice Karma Yoga?

There are many ways to practice karma yoga ..it can be as simple and making someone a drink or travelling across the globe to help save an endangered species. Whatever you do, big or small, they are all ways of practicing karma yoga in your life off the mat.

On the mat, it can be practiced by simply not allowing ego to take over during meditation or asana practice - expecting more than you can give on one day to the next, from one practice to the next. Just allow yourself to be in the moment with no judgement.

Giving Back

Giving back is something that is really important, and it’s something as a company we really value. So we’re delighted to announce we’re now proudly a Conservation Circle partner of Rainforest Trust UK.

They are a British charity working in partnership with the Rainforest Trust in the U.S. to protect the world’s most threatened rainforests and other tropical ecosystems. They have already placed over 37 million acres under permanent protection, and their vital work protects endangered species, safeguards indigenous communities and combats climate change. 

Tropical rainforests support over 50% of the world’s species, many of which are critically endangered, and are home to thousands of indigenous communities who rely on the forests for their food, water and economic prosperity. Rainforests also safely store billions of tonnes of carbon, helping to fight climate change and stabilise global weather patterns. In short, they are one of the most important natural resources on Earth, and their long-term protection is vital for the survival of our planet and the countless species that inhabit it – including us. Yet about 50 football pitches of tropical rainforest are destroyed every minute. This is just heart breaking. 

Rainforest Trust UK is also able to allocate 100% of donations to conservation action as all its operating expenses are covered by donations from Board members, Gift Aid and other supporters.

Recently they saved one of the rarest birds in the world from extinction. The Critically Endangered Cherry-throated Tanager has struggled for survival since its scientific discovery because its only home in the Brazilian Atlantic forest is under constant threat from agricultural conversion.

Rainforest Trust took immediate action to save the last nesting population of this rare species through the creation of a 705-acre protected area. Now, conservation experts can monitor the population and ensure its permanent safety - solidifying a future for this entire species.

The protection of rainforests, wildlife and the environment is something that is so close to all our hearts here at Yogacourse.com. and in times where climate change is at the forefront of all our minds, we wanted to help. So for every 200hr, 300hr and 500hr course purchased we donate a percentage amount that will save 3 acres of precious rainforest.

You will be pleased to know if you have recently started studying with us, that we have backdated donations for everyone who signed up to one of these courses during the month of November. To read more about the charity please visit Rainforest Trust UK or if you have any questions you can always contact info@yogacourse.com.

They also have Christmas Gift Certificates - so if you’d like to give the gift of rainforest this Christmas you can! The ultimate sustainable gift - a Rainforest Trust UK Gift Certificate! Make a donation of £10 or more to Rainforest Trust UK, leave a note and they’ll create and email you a personalised Christmas Gift Certificate. Your donation will be QUADRUPLED so you’ll have four times the impact, saving at least 35 acres of habitat for Elephants, Lions, Chimpanzees and Pangolins.

Order your gift today at Rainforest Trust UK Christmas Gift Certificate

Want to know more?

If you'd like to learn more about the training we offer you can view all of the teacher training courses and CPD courses on the courses section of our website. If you need any further information you can contact info@yogacourse.com