Karma Yoga

Sri Yukteswar teaches Yogananda about the true science of astrology and how to overcome planetary influences through prayer, will power, yoga meditation, and astrological bangles, demonstrating that the wise can defeat their planets.

A beloved twelve-year-old student named Kashi makes Yogananda promise to find him if he dies and is reborn. When Kashi tragically dies of cholera, Yogananda uses a secret yoga technique to broadcast his love through the spiritual eye, eventually locating Kashis reborn soul.

The primeval cosmic being Purusha is sacrificed by the gods to create the universe. From his various body parts emerged the animals, the Vedas, celestial bodies, the earth, sky, directions, and the four varnas of humanity.

Princess Sukanya accidentally blinds the meditating sage Chyavana by poking his eyes, mistaking them for glowing insects. She marries him as penance and her devotion later shames even the Ashwini Kumaras.

The celestial dancer Urvashi falls in love with mortal King Pururavas after he rescues her from demons. Banished from heaven by a curse, she lives with him under a condition that leads to their eventual separation.

Guru Arjan Dev founded Indias first dedicated home for lepers near the sacred pool of Tarn Taran Sahib. He personally cared for the lepers by providing them medicines, clothing, food, and encouraging them to bathe in the healing waters.

When Kashmiri Pandits faced forced conversion by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, they sought refuge with Guru Tegh Bahadur. The Guru offered to sacrifice himself, earning the title Hind-di-Chadar (Shield of India) for protecting religious freedom of another faith.

A wealthy boy whose parents provided servants for every need volunteered to bring water for the Guru. Guru Gobind Singh refused the water, saying his soft hands were dirty from lack of service. The boy transformed by serving in the kitchen until his rough, stained hands made him worthy.

Bhai Mardana, born into a Muslim family, was Guru Nanaks lifelong companion for 54 years. He accompanied the Guru on all his travels, playing the rabab while the Guru sang divine hymns. His poetry appears in the Guru Granth Sahib.

Founded in 1999 by Ravi Singh on the 300th anniversary of the Khalsa, Khalsa Aid has become a renowned global relief agency inspired by the Sikh principle of Sarbat da Bhalla (welfare of all). From Kosovo to Nepal earthquakes, the organization serves all humans regardless of religion, race, or borders.

When the Sikhs needed to accept the title of Nawab in 1733, they chose Kapur Singh who was fanning the congregation despite having a fresh war wound. Upon receiving the title, he requested only to continue cleaning horse stables and washing dishes in the langar hall.

When India faced a severe oxygen shortage during COVID-19, Sikh gurdwaras set up Oxygen Langars providing free oxygen to patients. The Hemkunt Foundation served up to 500 people at a time. Indirapuram Gurdwara saved over 200 lives through their oxygen langar service.

After blessing Bhai Kanhaiya for his impartial service on the battlefield, Guru Gobind Singh asked him to establish the Sevapanthi order dedicated to humanitarian service. This order, founded over 100 years before the Red Cross, institutionalized serving all humans without discrimination.

Sixteen-year-old Abhimanyu knew how to enter but not exit the Chakravyuha. He fought valiantly but was trapped and killed, teaching that incomplete knowledge can be fatal.

Every night, devoted Sikhs perform Ishnaan Seva at the Golden Temple, washing the marble floors with milk and water from midnight until 1:30 AM. Volunteers travel from around the world for this privilege, considering it the highest honor of selfless service.

The Golden Temple in Amritsar serves over 100,000 free meals every day to people of all religions, castes, and backgrounds. Run by 450 staff and hundreds of volunteers, this is the worlds largest free kitchen where everyone sits as equals to eat.

When prideful Vindhyachal mountain grew so tall it blocked the sun's path, Sage Agastya commanded it to bow. Sacrificing his beloved residence in Kashi, Agastya restored cosmic balance - and Vindhyachal remains bowed to this day.

Agni, the fire god, is the sacred messenger between humans and gods, carrying sacrificial offerings to heaven. The first hymn of the Rig Veda is dedicated to him as the priest of the sacrifice, invoker, and bestower of blessings.

When Lord Vamana asked for three steps of land, Bali agreed despite his guru's warning. Vamana covered heaven and earth in two steps. Bali offered his head for the third, and Vishnu granted him rulership of Sutala and promised to be his doorkeeper.

A bodyguard sacrifices himself and family for the king. The devastated king wants to sacrifice himself in return. Betal asks whose sacrifice was greater. Vikram: the Kings, because he had no obligation - his willingness came from pure love.