Towards a Conceptualization of Karma Yoga. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rastogi, Ashish; Prakash Pati, Surya
• Is Part Of: Journal of human values. Volume 21:Number 1(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 51
• Page End: 63
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Karma Yoga -- Bhagavad Gita -- absorption -- service consciousness -- sense control -- equanimity; Management -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; Social values -- Periodicals; Business ethics -- Periodicals; 303.4
• DOI: 10.1177/0971685815579985
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0971-6858

Abstract

Individuals across organizations and roles are increasingly seeking a meaningful and fulfilling experience in their activities. Towards that, the Bhagavad Gita advises the practice of Karma Yoga. However, the conceptualization of Karma Yoga in extant management literature is shrouded in confusion with little agreement on its dimensionalities. In this article, employing qualitative method, we offer an alternative conceptualization of the construct. Accordingly, we define Karma Yoga as a persistent positive state of mind that is characterized by absorption and service consciousness . Furthermore, the findings also suggest the importance of sense control and equanimity as the necessary prerequisites for individuals to practise Karma Yoga.