Walking the Walk - A Karma Yoga Manual

by Tyagananda

In this book the author, Swami Tyagananda, has attempted to bring together Swami Vivekananda’s insights related to the study and practice of karma yoga. The book can be read as a commentary on Swamiji’s teachings on karma yoga.

The endnotes in this book point to glowing words [in Swamiji’s karma yoga lectures] in order to encourage the reader to make an independent study of the original books.

The structure of this book is simple. The introductory chapter explores the meaning and scope of yoga. It also examines Vivekananda’s classification of yoga into four categories, showing how it cuts across religious boundaries and provides a genuinely universal way to understand spiritual disciplines. The second chapter examines the elements of the karma theory essential to understanding the method of karma yoga. Each of Vivekananda’s four yogas has a “key” with which to unlock its potential. The key to karma yoga is detachment, which is the focus of the third chapter.

While the first three chapters deal with understanding karma yoga, the fourth chapter is about the karma yoga practice.

Even a little practice will yield results that will encourage the student to walk the walk to freedom with greater faith, hope and enthusiasm. That is what the fifth and final chapter is about: results.

Genres: Philosophy

129 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2014

Reviews

[Ashok Krishna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't think of any other book that explains the concept of Karma Yoga as simply and as easily as this one. ❤️

[Vijaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking the walk is a commentary on Swami Vivekananda's teachings on karma yoga. Swami Tyagananda expresses his understanding of Swami's approach to the subject, while expertly highlighting certain aspects of the teachings and translating them into simple everyday practices. A few gems can be found in the appendix. Following the appendix closely with each chapter makes the reader feel like a first hand observer to the authors self-study and personal practice of karma yoga. Highly recommend pairing this manual with the original work.

[Prakash Yadav · Rating 2 out of 5]

Concise. Eighty four pages of abstract wisdom (discounting the appendix). Explores practical methods of detachment as a path to 'freedom', also teaches to discern between love and attachment. This introductory manual acquaints the reader to the possibility of a more spiritual life. A bit religious undertones with concepts of rebirth, and though it talks about God, it is in highly abstract terms, often just referenced as a consciousness. I personally discredit the axioms upon which idea of rebirth is constructed, but respect its utility as a tool for giving moral or ethical direction to one's life. I liked the bits on work ethics and its commentary on praise. A good read for the sincere.

[Ramki Sitaraman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book - It also gives some practical suggestions on how to implement Karma Yoga in daily life. Also the concepts of Karma are clearly explained .

Vivekananda's Karma Yoga is a mastee piece, but very difficult to comprehend as it is sometimes above the head and it takes a mature mind to understand it. This one has simplified the Karma Yoga Concepts. Very good follow up after Swami Paramamananda's books

[Sudeep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly practical manual and a simple introduction to karma yoga. Swami Tyagananda states that drew inspiration from Vivekananda's Karma Yoga. However, it seemed that the concepts are displayed better. This book is more timeless than that of Vivekananda's since it doesn't talk about the specific roles of individuals, but the general idea of Karma Yoga.

[Santosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning book.

I read Swami Vivekananda's Karma yoga many times. But I always feel that I haven't really got what he is trying to say. Then I came to know about this book. It was at the time, when I was working on my Seminar course (Paper). I immediately order it from Chennai Ramkrishna Math.

It is simple and easy to read book. Very accessible. I could complete it in one sitting. And many hazy areas in the my understanding became clear.

Book worth your time.

I am planning to read it again. And also going to read Swami Tyagananda's other book on Jnana Yoga. And I hope he will write one on Bhakti and Raj Yoga too.

Looking forward.

[John MUTERU · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Thank you for the ideas shared. Really impactful! Was looking for a structured way of daily practice and I got it , additionally my perspective of work has been transformed!