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Here's a bullet-point summary of the article "Nishkama Karma in Hinduism: An Exploration of Selfless Action and Spiritual Growth" by Abhilash Rajendran:
🔹 Core Concept
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Nishkama Karma: Performing duties without attachment to outcomes or desires for personal gain.
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Rooted in Bhagavad Gita and Vedantic philosophy.
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Aimed at chitta shuddhi (mind purification), leading to moksha (liberation).
🔹 Philosophical Foundations
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Bhagavad Gita 2.47 emphasizes action without attachment to results.
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Vedanta teaches that selfless actions help align the mind with dharma and prepare it for bhakti and jnana.
🔹 Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning
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Lotus flower: Symbol of detachment amidst worldly duties.
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Mirror analogy: Selfless actions clear the mind to reflect the Divine.
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Tied to Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to God).
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Exemplified by saints like Tyagaraja, who prayed for grace to act without self-interest.
🔹 Mind Purification (Chitta Shuddhi)
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Essential for deeper spiritual practices like meditation, devotion, and self-inquiry.
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Adi Shankaracharya: A pure mind can perceive Brahman (Absolute Reality).
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Seen in stories of Dhruva (Bhagavata Purana) and Hanuman (Ramayana).
🔹 Modern-Day Relevance
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Helps cope with stress from result-driven lifestyles.
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Promotes mindful work, ethical leadership, and altruism.
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Mahatma Gandhi embodied nishkama karma in his selfless service to India.
🔹 Workplace and Relationships
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Encourages focus on effort over outcome.
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Builds collaboration, resilience, and empathy in professional and personal spheres.
🔹 Scientific & Psychological Support
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Resembles “flow states”—deep immersion without concern for results.
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Neuroscience shows selfless acts boost happiness and mental well-being.
🔹 Quotes from Saints
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Swami Vivekananda: Selfless service brings infinite joy.
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Ramakrishna: Serve while keeping the mind on God.
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Sri Aurobindo: Work as an offering leads to liberation.
🔹 Practical Applications
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Parenting: Guide without expectations.
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Work: Strive without craving recognition.
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Service: Act for society, not praise.
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Relationships: Give without strings attached.
🔹 Challenges & Misconceptions
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Detachment ≠ lack of ambition or passivity.
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Desire is natural—must be transformed into selfless intent aligned with dharma.
🔹 Final Message
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Nishkama karma bridges spiritual wisdom and daily life.
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Encourages a life of selfless service, inner peace, and divine alignment.
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Ends with Bhagavad Gita 18.57: Surrender all actions with a mind fixed on the Divine.
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