KARMA YOGA - 3. SVADHARMA - ONE’S OWN DUTY - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma Yoga - HQ Full BookChapter 3: SvadharmaIn Chapter 3 of Sri Swami Sivananda's "The Practice of Karma Yoga", the concept of Svadharma is explored in-depth. Svadharma, or "one's own duty," is a cornerstone of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action. Swami Sivananda emphasizes the significance of performing one's prescribed duties, according to one's nature, without attachment to the results. This chapter provides clarity on how to understand and adhere to Svadharma, guiding aspirants in their spiritual journey toward liberation.1. What Is Svadharma?Svadharma refers to the personal duty or responsibility that an individual must fulfill based on their nature, station in life, and social position. According to Swami Sivananda, every person has a unique role in the cosmic order, and fulfilling that role with devotion is crucial for spiritual growth. Svadharma is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It is based on the inherent qualities of an individual (their guna), and it is aligned with the duties prescribed by their societal role, which can include being a student, a householder, a warrior, or a sage. The core of Svadharma lies in performing one’s duties without ego, without seeking personal gain, and without attachment to the fruits of action. Swami Sivananda teaches that by following one's Svadharma, a person contributes to the harmony of the world and attains inner peace. Importantly, Svadharma should be chosen and followed with a sense of right conduct (dharma) rather than from selfish desires or egoistic motives.2. Duties of ManSwami Sivananda explains that duty is an essential aspect of human life, and it encompasses various facets such as moral, social, familial, and spiritual obligations. The duties of a man are guided by the principles of dharma, which vary based on the individual's role and stage of life (the ashramas). Duties are inherently connected with the roles one plays in society. A student’s duty is to study and acquire knowledge; a householder’s duty is to support their family and contribute to society; a warrior’s duty is to protect and uphold justice; and a spiritual aspirant’s duty is to meditate and seek self-realization. Swami Sivananda emphasizes that all duties should be performed selflessly, without attachment to personal desires, for they purify the heart and mind, enabling spiritual progress. By focusing on one’s own duties and avoiding interference with the duties of others, individuals can maintain the proper order of life and contribute to the greater good.3. The Three GunasThe concept of the three gunas—Sattva (goodness, purity), Rajas (activity, passion), and Tamas (inertia, ignorance)—is essential in understanding Svadharma. Swami Sivananda explains that each individual is influenced by these gunas to varying degrees, and their actions are a reflection of the dominant guna. These qualities shape an individual’s nature, character, and behavior.Sattva: When predominating, it leads to actions characterized by purity, wisdom, and harmony. People dominated by Sattva are inclined toward selfless service, spirituality, and contemplation.Rajas: When predominating, Rajas results in desires, ambition, and action driven by personal goals. Those dominated by Rajas tend to be driven by worldly ambitions and attachment to the fruits of their labor.Tamas: When predominating, it leads to lethargy, ignorance, and confusion. People with a predominance of Tamas are often stuck in inertia, indulging in ignorance and selfish desires.Understanding one’s own nature, based on the predominance of these three gunas, is vital for identifying and following one’s Svadharma. For example, a person dominated by Sattva might be naturally inclined toward spiritual pursuits, while a person influenced by Rajas might be drawn to worldly activities and leadership, and one influenced by Tamas may need to focus on overcoming ignorance and laziness.4. Karma IndriyasKarma Indriyas refers to the faculties or instruments of action, namely the five organs of action: the hands, legs, speech, genital organs, and excretory organs. Swami Sivananda stresses that these organs are the means through which we perform our actions in the world. However, without proper control and guidance, these faculties can become instruments of ego and selfish desires. In the practice of Karma Yoga, the aim is to transcend the limitations of the Karma Indriyas by using them as tools for selfless action. Every action performed with the Karma Indriyas should be done as an offering to the divine, without attachment or personal gain. This is in line with the teaching that all actions, if done in alignment with one's Svadharma, can purify the mind and lead to spiritual growth.5. The Pseudo Karma YogiSwami Sivananda cautions against the Pseudo Karma Yogi, who pretends to practice selfless action but is actually driven by personal ...
