Vol. 2 No. 2 October 2018

The Implementation Of Karma Yoga Teachings On Religious Life In Denpasar City

By: Ni Made Anggreni Institut Hindu Dharma Negeri Denpasar E-mail : [email protected]

Received: August 8, 2018 Accepted: September 8, 2018 Published: October 31, 2018

Abstract

The development of times and increasingly sophisticated technology, causing human needs to become increasingly complex. In its fulfillment, humans work outside of the teachings of Karma Yoga. There are times when humans work easily but expect maximum results. In the teachings of Karma Yoga, the priority is not the result of the work but the process of that work. The teachings of Karma Yoga are very important to be understood by the community from the essence of work or swadharma that will provide happiness if carried out with responsibility and sincerity. By understanding this teaching, human will achieve happiness both in the world and after die.

Keywords: Swadharma, Karma Yoga, Religious Life

I. Introduction methods are not justified in . Humans basically have two basic Especially people who live in cities, where needs, namely physical needs and spiritual the city is the center of economic needs. These needs can only be fulfilled by development. This causes people to work to working. Working very close to human life, compete in the economy and fulfill their because working humans can realize all their needs. dreams. By working humans can explore the Seeing the reality of humans working whole world. However, humans in work are out of the meaning and nature of real work, influenced by their greedy nature. They work this is not in line with working according to minimally but expect maximum results. If the teachings of Karma Yoga contained in the goal in working is not realized, the the Book of Bhgawadgita. The Book of human will experience stress. Such work Bhgawadgita contains the dialogue between

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Krisna and Arjuna amid his doubts in the of two words, namely "karma" which means battlefield because the enemy faced in the the need, work while "Yoga" means war was none other than his own brother, his connecting with . So, what is meant by teacher and Arjuna's own grandfather Karma Yoga is how to connect yourself with Bhisma. Arjuna was very guilty when Arjuna God through selfless work. fought against his brother and his teacher Along with the development of times and who educated Arjuna to become a great increasingly sophisticated technology, knight. Arjuna felt there was no point in human needs are increasingly complex. In its killing his own innocent brother, instead, fulfillment, humans work outside of the Arjuna felt he would be very sinful. In the teachings of Karma Yoga. There are times condition of Arjuna who was shrouded in when humans work easily but expect doubt and haunted by the guilt of the maximum results. In the teachings of Karma coachman Arjuna, in Hinduism was Yoga, the priority is not the result of the believed to be awatara Wisnu gave remarks work but the process of that work. The about Karma Yoga and human swadarma teachings of Karma Yoga are very important (Bantas and et al. 1994: 27). to be understood by the community so that The teaching of Karma Yoga does not they can implement this teaching because by require high knowledge, but it is enough to understanding it we will achieve happiness be realized by real actions and work. both in the world and after die, we can reach Literally, Karma Yoga means "the way of the perfection of life. work or devotion which contains a spirit of high morality to achieve physical and II. DISCUSSION spiritual happiness through work or 2.1 The Implementation of Karma Yoga dedication. The emphasis is on someone's Teachings work or work, no matter whether he is an The implementation according to the official, farmer, trader and unskilled laborer, meaning of the even though the most important thing is how Dictionary (Tim Penyusun, 1991: 427) is an they do their best in accordance with their absorption element of the English language talents and profession. from the word implementation, in that word Everyone has their own swadharmas is defined as implementation or application. and fully surrenders the results of their work Furthermore, Poerwadarminta (1976: 677) to . Thus, people are no longer said that the word implementation in the bound to the results of their work. But people Indonesian dictionary has the same meaning now work far from the teachings of Karma as the application, implementation. So, the Yoga. The working community which is word implementation implies the application prioritized is the result of its work which is or implementation of agreed terms, the law not the process of that work. People do not that must be obeyed by the person associated understand the teachings of Karma Yoga with the law. calmly. Humans who work without being Implementation, in this case, is a real driven by something, not by money, or fame form carried out by individuals or a group of or other motivations are the best workers. people in a particular area which is the From the heart, they will come out an realization of a consciously determined extraordinary workforce, so as to change the decision based on a sense of family. In antero of human civilization. This kind of conjunction with this research, the humans are the ideals and the highest implementation is the implementation of emissaries of the Karma Yoga journey Karma Yoga teachings in the Bhagawadgita (Vivekananda, 1991: 122). book on religious life in Denpasar City. The teachings of Karma Yoga are The Karma Yoga teachings contained part of Catur Yoga which explains four paths in the book Bhagawadgita in the third to God. In etymology, Karma Yoga consists chapter with the original title Karma Yoga

262 Vol. 2 No.2 Oct 2018 with the subject matter of all people in this both concerning happiness in the world world must do work activities. Work can (jagadhita) and happiness in the afterlife bind a person to this world, can also free him (moksa). The purpose of life according to from this world bond. People can be freed Hinduism concerns two main aspects to be from the law of karma and achieve unity achieved, namely jadhadhita and moksa. To with the Almighty by acting for the achieve this goal, humans must work. Work Almighty without selfishness. is an active process of thinking (manacika), Karma Yoga is one of the yoga from speaking (wacika), and acting (kayika). A Catur Yoga which should be carried out by thought process is a form of human work in . Karma means working and Yoga order to formulate various ideas, ideas, means connecting with God. So, karma yoga plans, and programs including formulating means connecting with God through work. financing. With the human mind can There are also those who say worship distinguish good work (subha-karma) and through work. In this case, it can be wrong work (asubha-karma) and at the same interpreted that working well and correctly is time, humans gain meaning in their lives and working in Karma Yoga. Understanding successfully carry out the duties of Karma Yoga, in general, is working responsibility. selflessly. Working not while calculating Speaking or communicating is a form profits and losses. Work diligently and of human work in an effort to socialize the carefully for the success of the job. Work results of the thinking process to form willingly and sincerely for the satisfaction of understanding and beliefs which in turn the client or the person being served. About manifest equality of perception to formwork the benefits or fruits of karma that are picked coordination in the diversity of tasks and from the work is handed over to God functions. The role of good communication Almighty (Pidarta, 2005: 40). in one's life, especially in the life of the Karma Yoga is a part of Catur Marga organization, is basically summarized as Yoga which explains the four paths to God. follows: (1) words lead to success in life, (2) In etymology, Karma Yoga consists of two words will cause failure in life, (3) words words, namely "Karma" which means cause someone to get something as a source dressing, working while Yoga means of energy and (4) words cause someone to connecting with God. So, what is meant by have a good relationship or friend (Gorda, Karma Yoga is how to connect yourself with 2003: 59). Speaking or communicating is a God through selfless work. form of human work in developing cooperation, understanding, and encouraging 2.2 The Implementation of Karma Yoga others to work towards achieving the goals Teachings on Religious Life in they have agreed on. Denpasar City Doing is a form of human work in an The concept of the teachings of effort to implement various results of the Karma Yoga in the Bhagawadgita book is thinking process and the communication very useful if it can be implemented in real process. Doing good is a human potential life. This concept helps create human that is closely related to one's ability to apply happiness both in the world and in the their knowledge and skills as an effort to hereafter if it is able to be realized in manifest in reality the results of the thinking everyday life. Implementing the teachings of process (decisions and life policies) and what Karma Yoga depends on the level of one's is said in the lives of both individuals and understanding of this teaching. organizations (Gorda, 2003: 61) These three Gorda (2003: 13) says Hinduism is a forms of work in the view of Hinduism are living belief based on the sacred teachings called Tri Kaya Parisudha. The form of revealed by eternal God. These teachings human work is to be controlled continuously cover all the paths of life to reach happiness, from the influence of six enemies within us

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(sad ripu). The six enemies in question are world, humans cannot be separated from working driven by lust (kama), anger work. Thinking, acting, whatever it is is (kroddha), greed (lobbha), drunkenness work. Humans cannot avoid it because it is (mada), confusion (maha) and jealousy or actually a natural law or prakriti law. Work malice and not appreciating the is a must for everyone. Let us examine achievements of others (matsarya). together, people who do not work, just lazing What we think shows with good their lives to suffer, their lives are miserable karma, what we say shows with good karma from happiness. All that is lacking, is an and what we do in accordance with good insult to those around him. Besides working karmic teachings (Sura, 2008: 23). All forms as swadharma, work can also improve of thought, words and actions must always human living standards. By working he is be based on good karma. Every form of respected, by working he is respected, his work, activity (karma) is the cause that will life is happy away from suffering. This is bring consequences, results (phala). The clarified in the holy book of Bhagawadgita, result or outcome is a logical consequence of III-5, as follows: the work (karma) that we carry out. If we Na hi kaschit khsaṇam api jātu work (in harmony) in a good way or process tisthaty akarmakrit, then the result (phala) is good, we get the Kāryate hy avaṡaḥ karma sarvaḥ opposite if we work in a bad way or process, prakritijair guṇaiḥ the results are bad (Astawa, 2008: 12). Translation: In addition to working must control No one does not work even for a the six enemies that are within us, Work moment because humanity is made must be in accordance with the teachings of helpless by natural law (Darmayasa, Karma Yoga. As described above each work, 2014: 78). action (karma) will bring results (phala). In The teachings of Karma Yoga focus order for the results of our work to produce a on work actions without being bound by the perfect result, it should always be based on work itself. We can achieve this by the values of the teachings of Hinduism, controlling the five senses. People may close especially based on the teachings of karma their eyes so they don't see the beautiful yoga. Thinking, saying, and acting is always ones, people may close their mouths so they based on the values of the teachings of don't eat well, but if they leave their minds karma yoga so that always what is the and desires uncontrolled, they fail to apply essence and purpose of life both concerning life discipline. The implementation of the worldly happiness (jagadhita) and heavenly teachings of Karma Yoga in religious life in happiness (moksa) can be achieved. As Denpasar is as follows: described in the Book of Bhagawadgita, III- .4, it is stated: 1) Bhakti to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa Na karmaṇām anārambhān Hinduism teaches, working is the naishkarmyam purusho ‘ṡnute nature of all humans. Karma yoga provides Na cha samnyasanād eva siddhiṁ direction on how to work in this life. Karma samadhigachchati Yoga is one way to achieve perfection that Translation: focuses on the side of human behavior in Without work, people will not everyday life. All actions (Karma) when achieve freedom, nor perfection aimed at the happiness of all beings in the because they avoid work activities world are a form of Yajna before Ida Sang (Pudja, 2010: 80). Hyang Widhi Wasa. Based on the above sloka, freedom Work has an important role in life. and perfection can be achieved only through Everyone has been blessed with talent and work. Work is an obligation, work is Yajna. ability from birth. These talents and abilities It needs to be aware that while living in this will form tasks and obligations in accordance

264 Vol. 2 No.2 Oct 2018 with their functions and obligations in the Bhuñjate te ty aghaṁ pāpā ye community. By working earnestly and being paehanty ātma kāranāt able to make others happy is a form of Translation: devotion to God as explained in the book Those who eat well after the Bhagawadgita, III-9, as follows: devotional ceremony will be released Yajñārthāt karmaṇo‘nyatra loko’ from all sins, but provide delicious yaṁ karma bandhanaḥ, food only for themselves. They are Tadarthaṁ karma kaunteya mukta actually eating sin (Pendit, 1996: 91) saṇggaḥ samāchara According to Krisna, good and Translation: virtuous people put this service first than From the purpose of doing yajna, it their own needs. Sinful people who only causes this world to be bound by the provide delicious food for themselves law of karma, because it is O Arjuna, without paying attention to the service that working selflessly, without personal must be done. The form of the above sloka is interests, O Kunti Putra (Pudja, 2010: implemented through Yajna sesa (mesaiban) 83-84). which is done after cooking in the kitchen. All work must be done in a spirit of Banten siban as a form of gratitude to Ida devotion, devoted to God Almighty. Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa along with His Although this world (including humans) is manifestations. This Yajna is usually done in shackled by the law of work, if the work is the kitchen in a cooking place intended for carried out without the motive of self- Lord , the freshly cooked rice is interest, but for the sake of devotion and addressed to as the fertility service, the fetters no longer have the power goddess, in the place of taking water that is to curb. directed to Lord , as well as at the Next to the Bhagawadgita III-11 place to process or cut ingredients to be Book which reads as follows: cooked like a cutting board. In addition to Devān bhāvayatā’ nena te devā the kitchen, saiban can also be served in a bhāvayantuyaḥ cake or dish which is directed at the Parasparaṁ bhāvayantaḥ śreyaḥ ancestors, and also in the yard, in the tugun param avāpsyatha reef, and in the river (in front of the house or Translation: in front of the entrance). With this, praise the may the The Bhakti category can be divided gods bless you with mutual respect as as follows: (1) Devotion to Brahman. you reach the highest virtue (Pendit, Devotion to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa 1996: 89) was realized through the Yajna God The above sloka explained, Krisna Ceremony which is a sacred sacrifice taught Arjuna the doctrine which states that addressed to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. humans must worship or respect the Gods as The forms of this ceremony are as diverse as a statement of thanks. Humans who respect Ngodalin, Ngenteg linggih, and others. (2) these strengths, understand the duty of their Being devoted to the forces that govern the lives. For those who understand the highest cosmos, the devotion to this power is duty of duty. Worship or respect for the realized through the Bhajna Yajna ceremony. Gods as explained above is not a matter of The form of this ceremony is in the form of polytheism or . For the gods or seguhan and caru. (3) Devotion to ancestors forces governing the function of the cosmos and parents, which is the origin of our birth are no other than Brahman. into the world. Service to ancestors is Furthermore, in the Book of realized by serving and caring for them as Bhagawadgita, III-13, explained: long as they live. Realized through the Pitra Yajña śishtāsinaḥsanto muchyante Yajna Ceremony. (4) Devote to teachers, the sarva kilbishaniḥ, government and to those who are older, who

265 Vol. 2 No.2 Oct 2018 deserve to be respected and exemplified. not pursuing their own wealth to become Because the teacher is a teacher and rich without seeing and considering harmony educator. The implementation of this Yajna with the society and the surrounding in everyday life is to practice the teachings of environment. The concept of life and the the teacher or the knowledge gained at view of the life of Hindus who prioritize school. Considering the services of a saint by worldly and heavenly balance, material and giving gifts to the Stakeholders and Pandita spiritual harmony that pivot on a good work (5) Devoting to the poor, devoting here is ethic will underlie socio-cultural phenomena. only a term. The real goal is to give alms to Thus, the concept of life according to the poor, help them alleviate the suffering of Hinduism is not only to get a decent place in life by giving anything according to their the afterlife if it dies later but also for abilities. The bhakti is manifested by the worldly welfare. This means that people are manusa Yajna ceremony, which is a not justified only to prioritize the afterlife by ceremony performed on humans from the underestimating the welfare of life on this womb to marriage, (6) Devoting to animals, earth. People mistakenly purify their meaning here giving. Feeding, giving by not paying attention to health, protection, giving love to animals and other nutrition, shelter, income and so on. To living things are included in our dharma as fulfill and achieve worldly happiness, human beings, the most intelligent creatures humans and Hindus do a job. in the world. By working without being tied to the As human beings, we are expected to results of the work, it is a form of be human beings who are human, wise and maintaining a harmonious relationship with loving to all other beings. Service in God. By saving a little of our wealth from Bhagawadgita is clearly described as a life the results of work is a form of maintaining a discipline. A disciplined life is nothing but harmonious relationship with fellow human law. The law of life discipline is a cause and beings and by keeping the environment effect which is a unity in the relationship of around us is a form of maintaining a the law of the universe. In other words, the harmonious relationship with the law of cause and effect is the law of life environment. discipline and the law of life discipline is the law of the universe. This must be 2) As a means of self-control understood, this must be contemplated and The teachings of Karma Yoga as a implemented. The implementation is work means of self-control focus on controlling (Sudharta, 2007: 77). the five senses and controlling lust. The five In addition to work as a form of senses control is mentioned in the book devotion to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, Bhagawadgita III 6-7, as follows: bhakti with the form of work can also be Karmendriyāṇi saṁyamya aimed at fellow human beings and the Ya āste manasā smaran environment. This is in line with the opinion Indriyārtān vimūdhātmā of Wiana (2009: 3) stating achieving a Mithyāchāraḥ sa uchyate harmonious life by having a harmonious Translation: relationship with God with fellow human He who sits in control of his five beings and the environment. Building a faculties but his mind remembers the harmonious relationship with God with pleasures that are the object of his devotion, to fellow human beings with the senses, in fact he is hypocritical basis of the world and with the natural (hypocrites). environment with compassion. Tyas tv indriyāṇi manasā niyamyā’ The purpose of the Hindu rabhate rjuna, community's life which rests on the teachings Karmendriyaiḥ karma yogam asktaḥ of Tri Hita Karana, the fact that Hindus are sa viśishyate

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Translation: In accordance with the above Indeed, the person who can control explanation, awareness must be grown step the five senses with the mind, O by step, which cannot jump at once. First of Arjuna, with his senses working all, awareness is added from the without attachment, he is highly understanding of the five senses control, then respected (Pudja, 2010: 82). higher to the control of conscience and then One might close his eyes so as not to to the analysis of the intellect. Ethically, see the beautiful, one might close the humans must control the five senses first as beginning so as not to eat deliciously, if he something very complicated, then control the left his mind and desire uncontrolled, he mind and finally awaken the to unite failed to absorb the meaning of life with Atman. With increased awareness. discipline. People may be able to withstand Then the very restless ego in man can be their thoughts and desires, if they let their controlled by the light of the eternal soul, five senses (eyes, mouth, ears, nose and skin) with the control of the ego, man achieves the roam, they don't really understand what the peace of the soul which can easily subdue meaning of life discipline is. Restraints on the passions from within himself. the five senses as an introduction to the In religious life in the city of control of thoughts and desires. In other Denpasar, the people do it through daily words, physical control is an introduction to prayers by doing the Trisandya. And spiritual control. celebrations of religious holy days such as Control of the five faculties by the Purnama-Tilem, Saraswati, Siwaratri, mind is very necessary to cleanse the soul of Galungan Kuningan and others. Besides, lust and desire. Control of the five senses there are also groups (Spiritual Groups) such does not mean stopping activities or work. as Hare Krisna, Brahma Kumaris and others The control of the five faculties is very who routinely practice meditation and work important for the concentration of the mind as a form of sensory control. to align all the five senses path activities in the way of good and right actions. Good and III. Conclusion right work actions then the mind can be The implementation of the teachings focused on more perfect work and dedication of Karma Yoga in Bhagawadgita on the lives without self-interest. Such action and work of religious people in Denpasar City: (1) can free the soul from the bondage of prakriti Bhakti in the presence of Ida Sang Hyang and the perfection of life can be achieved. Widhi Wasa. Bhagawadgita explains many Lust is the main enemy of humans. If ways to worship worship the form of lust has conquered the five faculties, then Brahman. In the ordinary way of yoga, by conquering the heart then conquering the the way of knowledge, by way of meditation, mind is the result of extermination as by way of work without expecting profit and explained in the Bhagawadgita III 40, as by means of peace. Service in follows: Bhagavaddgita is clearly described as a life Indriyāṇi mano buddhir asyā’ discipline. Disciplined life is nothing but dhishthānam uchyate, law. The law of life discipline is a cause and Ethairvimohayate esha jñānam effect which is a unity in the relationship of āvritya dehinam the law of the universe. In other words, the Translation: law of cause and effect is the law of life Five senses, mind and intelligence are discipline and the law of life discipline is the vehicles for him; the closure of law of the universe. This must be knowledge by him causes confusion understood, this must be contemplated and in the body (Pudja, 2010: 102). implemented. The implementation is working according to each task.

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