Yoga practice is not only asana (posture) practice, it should also happen off the mat in your daily life. Ashtanga yoga has eight limbs whereof asana is only one. Practicing the other eight is of equal importantce. Yama and Niyama, the two first limbs of Ashtanga yoga, include advice on how to think about and act towards yourself and others. An important part of yoga practice is to care for others and to give back to the community. This is called Karma Yoga or “Seva” – which means selfless service.
The word Karma means action, work, endeavour, or the results of past deeds. In yoga philosophy it is believed that our present situation is based on our past actions. By taking actions to help others without the aim of any personal gain we change our attitudes towards the better and in the process, change our souls. This leads to a future free from negativity and selfishness and a change of our destiny.
Seva, should be done without any selfish purpose or attachment to the fruits/results of the action taken. Doing Seva, giving back to society, can be done in many ways, big or small. If one does not have the monetary means one can help by doing small daily gestures and actions towards fellow human beings or engage in charity work. The Baghavad Gita (one of the most important texts in Yoga) says:
“No effort ever goes to waste in selfless service, and there is no adverse effect.” (BG ch2.40).