Karma Yoga or 'selfless service' is one of the 4 Paths of Yoga. The act of offering our services for the benefit of others purifies the heart and takes us further along the path in our spiritual evolution. Egoism, hatred, jealousy, ideas of superiority and all the kindred negative qualities will vanish. You will develop humility, pure love, sympathy, tolerance and mercy. Sense of separateness will be annihilated. Selfishness will be eradicated. You will get a broad and liberal outlook on life. You will begin to feel oneness and unity. Eventually you will obtain knowledge of the Self. You will realize One in all and All in one.

The ashram provides the perfect setting to put the teachings of Karma Yoga into practice. As part of a community of like-minded people and guided by the ashram’s senior staff you can deepen your knowledge and practice of Yoga, open your heart, learn some useful skills and enjoy the beautiful white sandy beach and the variety of ashram programs in your free time. You do not have to be a Yoga teacher in order to join any of the ashram’s Karma Yoga programs – all that is needed is willingness to serve and lead a Yogic life.

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Karma yoga is the best tonic to an aching heart. Whenever you are depressed, sad or losing your inner joy, simply reach out to others. Stop thinking about yourself, go and serve others, cheer up others who are depressed. This is the secret. You will feel immediate results.

— Swami Swaroopananda
(On "overcoming depression", June 2010)

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