Karma Yoga

It’s a complex subject, contemplated in countless forms for many millennia, by some of the greatest thinkers who ever existed. Karma Yoga is not the yoga you may think of that happens on a yoga mat or in a studio. Translated into English as “Yoga of Action,” Karma Yoga is often best understood through experience, rather than study, because your every thought, your every action is creating Karma. You can’t put it on pause, or take a day off, because it’s always happening whether you’re aware of it or not.

Karma Yoga is an intentional practice of using your thoughts and actions in the world to cultivate peace, love, connection and unity between yourself and all beings.

We at United We Om are practitioners of Karma Yoga and while we do not always succeed in being our best selves in every moment, we continually strive towards living in service, in union with the Infinite.

Cultural Appropriation and Word Choice

“When I began studying yoga, I read in American Veda: "Europeans knew that understanding India's religions would serve their commercial, imperial, and missionary interests..." This made me question if my practice serves me or if I'm co-opting another's culture. 

Even after 10 years, I wonder about things like, "Am I doing what those Europeans did?" Now, when I think about our use of Karma and Om I also think, "Why are we doing this?" Thankfully, UWO gives me space, and time, to explore these questions.”
- Lee Carlson (she/they),
United We Om Board Member

What are some examples of Karma Yoga?

If you go to your favorite search engine and type in Karma Yoga, you will receive a variety of answers including:

  • Karma Yoga is one of the four classical schools of yoga, offering a path to self-realization.

  • Karma Yoga is known as the path of action, or selfless service towards others.

  • Karma Yoga is considered to be one of the most practical and effective means of spiritual development.

All of these things are true and they only begin to scratch the surface. “The path of action,” but which action? Is there good karma and bad karma?

Below are some of our learnings from people wiser than we, with links for you to continue your exploration of Karma Yoga.

Favorite Quotes

“If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up in mine, then let us work together.”
- Lilla Watson, Australian Activist


“How people treat you is their Karma. How you react is yours.” - Wayne Dyer


“There is a technique, it is called Karma Yoga. That is, the yoga that works with your Karma, that is, the stuff of your life. If you’re washing dishes, the washing of the dish becomes the practice for you to get liberated.” - Ram Dass


“No matter what kind of Karma you gathered in the past, this moment’s Karma is always in your hands.” - Sadguru


“Realize that everything connects to everything else.” - Leonardo DiVinci

Book Recommendations

This is our favorite translation of The Bhagavad Gita and the introduction alone is deeply insightful and relatable.

This book explores two questions, “What in us responds to the needs of others?” and “What can we actually do to alleviate suffering?

It’s not just what you do, but how and why you do it that really matter. A catalyst for co-founder Matt Jared.

This book explores questions often asked by service focused people including, "How much is enough?" "How can I deal with suffering?" "And what really helps, anyway?"

Co-founder Jenny Jared reimagined her role as a Yoga Teacher after reading this book exploring ethical social action.

Written during the Vietnam War, this book is a radical expression of Buddhist ethics and morality that offer essential insights for existing mindfully, and not burning out.

Podcasts and Videos

Ram Dass discusses the dialog that exists between our mind and our heart and our ability to reclaim our spontaneous generosity.

Ram Dass lecturing about Karma Yoga and speaking with Benedictian Monk David Roth about Karma Yoga and the path of action.

Matt Jared’s personal recommendation. This one dives off the deep end and invites you to float along.