May I Give This Ukrainian Bread to All People in This Big Wide World by Maria Primachenko

by Ram

The underlying principle of yoga philosophy is the well‐being of an individual at the level of body, mind, and emotions. One of the methods by which this well-bring is achieved is through the path of karma yoga or selfless service. In the Yoga Samhita by Yajnyavalkya, we are introduced to the concept of dana as one of the ten niyamas (observances). Dana aka selfless giving is a faithful and goodwill act of giving—it is an action that is rendered without any personal expectation. In the Bhagavad Gita, karma yoga is described as the practice of selfless action performed for the benefit of others.

Karma yoga is a path to reach moksha (spiritual liberation) through giving selflessly without being attached to fruits or being influenced by the rewards or outcomes such as success or failure. An individual performing karma yoga or dana gets rid of all egoistic tendencies while offering such a service and also places the well-being of the recipient as a top priority ahead of his/her personal gain or achievement. Whether providing finances to support an orphanage, an animal shelter or the food bank, providing free tuitions or providing free food to the needy, etc., an individual rendering selfless service gets rid of all egoistic tendencies while providing such a service.

A selfless service requires for an individual to:

  1. Overcome any attachment to the act
  2. Have a loving attitude while performing the selfless service
  3. Remain unaffected by the results of such service

This approach—performing a task without any expectation and letting go of all results, whether good or bad and focusing on the selfless action alone—is the essence of dana/karma yoga. In the light of non-attachment, the selfless doer attains freedom from emotional disturbances, including desires, ambitions, fear, worry, anxiety, judgment, rage, etc., and all of this leads to contentment or true happiness.

Research studies show that selfless service triggers numerous immense health benefits. At the cellular level, selfless service activates certain regions in the brain that trigger the release of endorphins, oxytocin, and vasopressin, all of which create the “helper’s high”—a distinct physical/mental sensation associated with helping. These feel-good chemicals buffer out stressful thoughts and negativity, boost the morale of the individual, and help to build esteem and self-confidence. In this state, doers feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also report being calmer and less depressed with increased feeling of self-worth.

Interestingly, people who interacted with those that were always involved in karma yoga/dana, also showed favorable outcomes with their own physical and mental health. It is of no surprise that the authors of a research study Volunteerism, health, and civic engagement among older adults compiled empirical evidence on the benefits of selfless service and concluded that people who render selfless service may enjoy good health and longevity because being useful to others instills a sense of value and being needed.

Thus, I do hope that the teachings about karma yoga/dana and the scientific studies backing the concept of selfless service will motivate you as well to perform selfless acts on a regular basis to foster sincere relationships and bring greater fulfillment to your own life. So if you wish to start the new year on a good note, explore the opportunities for selfless acts in your community. Even a small selfless act goes a long way towards improving other people’s lives, as well as your own.

 

For more information see Ram’s book Good Living Practices: The Best from Ayurveda, Yoga, and Modern Science for Achieving Optimal Health, Happiness, and Longevity which is available as a paperback on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Copperfield’s Books, Target, and other online bookstores.

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