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Nishkama Karma (Sanskrit IAST : Niṣkāmakarma), self-less or desireless action, is an action performed without any expectation of fruits or results, and the central tenet of Karma Yoga path to Moksha. Its modern advocates press upon achieving success following the principles of Yoga, and stepping beyond personal goals and agendas while pursuing any action over greater good, which has become well known since it is the central message of the Bhagavad Gita.
In Indian philosophy, action or Karma is divided into three categories based on their intrinsic qualities or gunas. Nishkama Karma belongs to the first category, the Sattva (pure) or actions which add to calmness; the Sakama Karma (Self-centred action) comes in the second rajas (aggression) and Vikarma (worst-action) comes under the third, tāmasika which correlates to darkness or inertia.
Another aspect that differentiates it from Sakama or selfish action, is that while the former is guided by inspiration, the latter is all about motivation, and that makes the central difference in its results, for example, Sakama Karma might lead to excessive work pressure and workaholism as it aims at success, and hence creates more chances of physical and psychological burnouts. Moreover, Nishkama Karma means a more balanced approach to work, and as work has been turned into a pursuit of personal excellence, which results in greater personal satisfaction, which one would have otherwise sought in job satisfaction coming from external rewards. One important fallout of the entire shift is that where one is essentially an ethical practice inside-out leading to the adage, ‘Work is worship’ show itself literally at the workplace, leading to greater work commitment, the other since it is so much result oriented can lead to unethical business and professional ethics, as seen so often at modern workplace. Globalisation Managing Org. Adaptation, by Murthi. Published by Anmol Publications PVT. LTD... Mantra of Karma Yoga -Page 333-334.
The central tenet of practicing Nishkama Karma is mindfulness in the present moment. Over time, this practice leads to not only equanimity of mind as it allows the practitioner to stay detached from results, and hence from ups and downs of business that are inevitable in any business arena, while maintaining constant work commitment since work has now been turned into a personal act of worship. Further in the long run it leads to cleansing of the heart but also spiritual growth and holistic development. Human Values and Ethics: Achieving Holistic Excellence, by SK Chakraborty, D Chakraborty. Published by ICFAI Books. . Page 190.
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