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Self-study and connecting the dots through Karma Yoga (Session 27)

So helpful to review and dive deeper into the sometimes subtle differences in how the 4 goals are worked towards, or expressed through me, when I am acting from the little me/E.G.O., (basically being unconscious, or not catching my little self and giving it some preventative care, some โ€œholdingโ€, when it acts up) -vs- when my mind and actions are gently, but firmly, anchored in G.O.D. consciousness. Yesterday I was dismayed by how a relatively minor work problem stressed me out disproportionately. The level of inner upset, the frustration, caught me by surprise. This discourse is helping me figure out, with self compassion, why this occurred, as I backtrack through my thoughts and actions(or inactions) and attitudes, and the play of the 3 gunas, in the days and weeks leading up to this, looking through the lens of the 4 goals, so integral to karma yoga. Very illuminating, and hopefullyโ€ฆ


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Thank you for sharing Jayanti, it's always so calming how these teachings show us viveka/discernment in such moments, and how we can be a witness to the inerplay of the gunas, and then apply the wisdom that we need to remedy the situation. I appreciate your share!

"It's good to be at this Ground Zero" - Acharya Shunya

(Contemplations from Karma Yoga session 25).

When we offer whatever we do to G.O.D. (Aarpanam Buddhi), and accept whatever comes, good or bad, as prasad (Ishvara Prasada Buddhi), we become free from the chains of karma/ego - this is Ground Zero.

A good way to practice Ishvara Prasada Buddhi is the "SAS" method (Sit/Accept Sadhana). This is when we realize, as Arjuna said, "Everything is right as it is."

Only with the vision of a Rishi (G.O.D. consciousness) "can we stand in the middle of the fire (samsara), and say(know) "nothing is happening."" This is true yoga/union, the ultimate Sakshi Bhava (Witness/G.O.D. consciousness), when the only reality is G.O.D.; when we have become the "Knower of the Field" This is the ultimate "zooming out", or is it "zooming in"? It is both, ONE and the same thing.

I really appreciated the practical and clear presentation and slides, as well โ€ฆ


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Sharada
Sharada
Jan 16

Jai Maa Jayanti !

Thank you for sharingโ€”so timely. ๐Ÿ™


Your reminder about SAS felt like a true safeguard, especially as I was confronted yesterday with an urgent medical intervention for my son.

During the two hours I spent driving in heavy traffic, Gurujiโ€™s words and example stayed with me the whole time. They held me through the samsaric whirlpool of emotions and erratic thoughts. I felt immediate inner shifts, and a deep silence gradually filled my mind. As I write this now, my son is stable and under control.


I am so grateful for this journey on Karma Yoga. It continues to support me in all aspects of my life, in the pleasant experiences and the unpleasant ones. But this SA Sadhana is a deep teaching that I need to listen to, to remember and practice ๐Ÿ™. JaiGuruDev






Knowledge of the gunas is mentally freeing and spiritually empowering!

I am so grateful for Shunyaji giving us knowledge of the gunas through session 23 of the Karma Yoga teachings!

I had previously, unconsciously, thought of the gunas as more of an โ€œoutsideโ€ force that I somehow could (and should!) control to make myself โ€œbetter.โ€ It makes so much more sense, that just like the heartbeat, the actions of the lungs, or even the impulse that makes the eyes blink, the gunas are a natural function that acts mysteriously within our body-mind. Yes, we do have some control over the gunas, by what we consume through the senses (just as we have some control over our heart rate, breathing, and eye blinking), but it is mentally freeing to know that so much is beyond our control and in the hands of GOD โ€“ it is the freedom of surrender โ€“ I receive and offer every little action of the โ€ฆ

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Anne Leslie
Anne Leslie
Dec 23, 2025

Thank Kristen... this sharing is enlightening and clarifying as well. I appreciate the perspective here that help me to integrate.

Sadhya Soumya
Sadhya Soumya

Jai Maa & Jai Guru Deva Sadasya's,

After last night's Karma Yoga satsang and I got into bed,

I affirmed the sattva within me. I repeated to myself, swastha sattva, I am health, I am sattva. I was the witness, the sakshi to my mind wanting to wonder and possibly question my affirmation. I surrendered to my breath and the sattva within me. It felt very comforting to fall asleep this way.


This morning, I remembered Acharya Shunya ji's invitation and slide at the end of the session. I thought what a powerful tool to receive this week as we head into a potent New Moon on Friday, 12/19 and Winter Solstice this weekend. I wanted to share this slide on the forum as by just looking at it exudes golden sattvic light. Thank you Guru ji for this invitation, I happily accept its deep contemplation!



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Beautiful contemplation you had before sleep. Thank you for sharing Shunyajiโ€™s Reflection slide here. Such a powerful class. Jai Maa dear Soumya.

Deep gratitude for Reflection Pod

Jai Maa all,

This morning as I watched the sun rise and the sky change color from dark to light I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the reflection pod I participated in last evening (and since it first formed). This transition from light to dark mirrors my experience from the beginning of the session when I am entering after a full day to the end when I feel more light and connect to Maa. The opportunity to digest and practice mananam with fellow kula members deepens my individual practices and my learning. Every time I attend I hear a reflection from the others that leads to more contemplation privately. For me having a designated space I know I can be with others on this path is invaluable. I want to thank Arya the Pod leader for the Pod I attend and all the other leads for their Seva.โ€ฆ


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Jai Maa Devi Priya, and thank you for sharing this gratitude. I have just recently begun attending the West Coast Reflection Pod and I feel such a deep sense of gratitude for this opportunity to connect more deeply with fellow kula members and grow in my understanding of the Karma Yoga teachings. As a newer member, I have also found the pod discussions invaluable in navigating the tremendous library of offerings, learning about different ways to approach integration of the teachings, and gaining insight into the different perspectives and contemplations on the "golden nuggets" that are taught to us in the Karma Yoga study circle.


As you so beautifully articulated, hearing these other perspectives has supported my own integration of the wisdom and deepens my understanding by offering a richness and fullness that only shared inquiry can offer. I am continually enriched by the sincerity and devotion of my fellow reflection pod members and by the shared desire to be of service to Ishwara.


I am also deeply grateful for the personal connections this space makes possible, and for the sacred seva of our pod leader, Sadhya Soham. Thank you as well to each of my fellow kula members for your heartfelt contributions, insights, and support. This shared container is truly a gift.


Iโ€™ll also share that while I deeply appreciate the biweekly rhythm of these reflection pods, I would warmly welcome the opportunity for them to be offered weekly. I would be happy to offer my seva to help facilitate this, if that would be supportive in any way.


Blessings to all, Jai Gurudev!

Karma Yoga - "Learning by Heart"

Last night's Karma Yoga Session was so helpful in the way Acharya Shunya drilled down from the broader teachings of session 3 into more detailed, specific thoughts and actions we can take to implement the path of Karma Yoga. Much appreciation to Sadhvi Aparna for the wonderful charts that capture the teachings in simple and effective "bite size" content we can keep handy for reference throughout the day. This morning I went back to session 3, and found it so enriching to listen again after having the benefit of the more specific teachings last night. I'm soaking in these teachings because I want to learn it "by heart" --in the old school sense of "learning by heart" (memorizing), and the more spiritual interpretation of that, too: my spiritual heart is being washed clean and filled with each precious wisdom drop. Thank you Guruji. Jai Maa! Jai Guru Deva!โค๏ธ๐Ÿ“ฟ๐Ÿช”

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Jayanti Kristenโฃ๏ธ

Thanks so much for your share and reflection - I always enjoy reading your posts as they resonate with me and I contemplate them further ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ๐Ÿค—


Yes a BIG THANK YOU ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ to Sadhvi Aparna Ji for the creative and knowledge intensive charts and slidesโฃ๏ธ They really are so packed with succinct and comprehensive points of focus. Jai Maaโฃ๏ธ

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