Karma yoga: A path towards work in positive psychology.
Arun Kumar, Sanjay Kumar
Indian Journal of Psychiatry 2013 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5545.105511 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Positive psychology Karma Salvation |
| Key points | Argues that karma yoga, the path of salvation through action taught in the Bhagavad Gita, involves working without attachment to results, and that such attachment instead leads to stress, competition, and aggression, which can give rise to heart ailments, depression, and suicide. Proposes that karma yoga overlaps with positive psychology's aims and could support practical applications for improving lifestyle and treating stress disorders. |
Abstract
Karma yoga is the path that leads to salvation through action. Salvation is the ultimate state of consciousness. Work is the central and defining characteristic of life. It may have intrinsic value, instrumental value, or both. Instrumental value includes incentive, dignity and power, etc., which is the result expected from the work. The Gita teaches us to do work without thinking of result (work with intrinsic value). Attachment with the result leads to stress, competition and aggression. Stress further gives rise to heart ailments, depression and suicide. Positive psychology studies the factors and conditions leading to pleasurable and satisfying life. Understanding Karma yoga and its practice has a similar role that lead an individual towards work and leading to a satisfied life. This may play a unique role towards practical aspects of positive psychology to improve one's lifestyle and aid in the treatment of stress disorders.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Lived experiences of spiritual emotional intelligence: a Bhagavad Gitā-based indigenous model of psychological wellbeing Frontiers in Psychology December 11, 2025
- Swami Vivekananda and Practical Vedanta Improving Mental Well-Being at the Intersection of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga April 16, 2026