Vedic Community Forum

As we have completed a beautiful ten months immersed in karma yoga, my heart is full to the brim with gratitude. Like so many of us shared during the closing session, these teachings have also transformed me in many unexpected ways. Looking at life through the four lenses of karma yoga has allowed me to live more skillfully and gently.

The harshness of my reactions to life’s challenges has mellowed. It is as if I am walking on earth more lightly, with invisible footprints. I used to feel the burden of samsara in every part of my being. It was like dragging heavy suitcases behind me wherever I went. I never knew when to let go, when to put the suitcases down and exhale.

I have been practicing Tai Chi for some time now, and there is a beautiful image in one of the practices that I wanted to share. In this simple but powerful practice, you open your arms to the sides, palms facing upward, and imagine that a butterfly lands in the palm of each hand. As you lift your hands overhead and then gently turn your palms over, facing the earth, you try to keep these precious passengers on your hands.

This practice reminded me of skillful living with karma yoga. What karma yoga has changed in my life is that I now walk through life’s ups and downs with butterflies in my palms. I navigate challenges gently and no longer feel the heavy burden of carrying unnecessary loads. Whatever responsibility I have to carry in life feels more like carrying butterflies in my palms; gently, mindfully, skillfully.