In this talk we discuss Karma Yoga as a spiritual pathway in the context of a self-centered world.

Self-centeredness is the enemy of self-realization and modern society's focus on the fulfillment of individual desires as being of paramount importance has led to unprecedented levels of unhappiness, depression, and mental health issues. I refer to experts like Gus Speth and Tristan Harris to illustrate how selfishness and technology-driven self-absorption are creating societal problems.

We then explore how yoga is best understood as the union between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul, with karma yoga specifically being the path of selfless action. While karma (action) binds us to the material world, selfless service is liberating and awakens one to their true identity. Our natural spiritual function is to love and serve, and adopting a life of selfless service transforms one's existence.

The quotes I used:

When we speak of yoga we refer to linking up our consciousness with the Supreme Absolute Truth. Such a process is named differently by various practitioners in terms of the particular method adopted. When the linking up process is predominantly in fruitive activities, it is called karma-yoga, when it is predominantly empirical, it is called jñāna-yoga, and when it is predominantly in a devotional relationship with the Supreme Lord, it is called bhakti-yoga. Commentary by AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada - Bhagavad-gītā 6.46

The Blessed Lord said: O sinless Arjuna, I have already explained that there are two classes of men who realize the Supreme Soul. Some are inclined to understand Him by empirical, philosophical speculation, and others are inclined to know Him by devotional work. Bhagavad-gītā 3.3

Work done as a sacrifice for Viṣṇu [the Supreme] has to be performed, otherwise work binds one to this material world. Therefore, O son of Kuntī, perform your prescribed duties for His satisfaction, and in that way you will always remain unattached and free from bondage. Bhagavad-gītā 3.9

One who restrains the senses and organs of action, but whose mind dwells on sense objects, certainly deludes himself and is called a pretender. Bhagavad-gītā 3.6

On the other hand, he who controls the senses by the mind and engages his active organs in works of devotion, without attachment, is by far superior. Bhagavad-gītā 3.7

One who neither hates nor desires the fruits of his activities is known to be always renounced. Such a person, liberated from all dualities, easily overcomes material bondage and is completely liberated, O mighty-armed Arjuna. Bhagavad-gītā 5.3

One who knows that the position reached by means of renunciation can also be attained by works in devotional service and who therefore sees that the path of works and the path of renunciation are one, sees things as they are. Bhagavad-gītā 5.5

Therefore, without being attached to the fruits of activities, one should act as a matter of duty; for by working without attachment, one attains the Supreme. Bhagavad-gītā 3.19

Therefore, O Arjuna, surrendering all your works unto Me, with mind intent on Me, and without desire for gain and free from egoism and lethargy, fight. Bhagavad-gītā 3.30

One who executes his duties according to My injunctions and who follows this teaching faithfully, without envy, becomes free from the bondage of fruitive actions. Bhagavad-gītā 3.31

"One who has taken his birth as a human being…. should make his life successful and work for the benefit of all other people. - Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta - Ādi-līlā 9.41

"It is the duty of every living being to perform welfare activities for the benefit of others with his life, wealth, intelligence and words." - Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta - Ādi-līlā 9.42

‘By his work, thoughts and words, an intelligent man must perform actions which will be beneficial for all living entities in this life and in the next.’ - Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta - Ādi-līlā 9.43