The True Spirit of Karma Yoga

One summer, Gurudev was being hosted by a devotee’s parents in Shimla. This was like a dream come true for her. She considered herself immensely fortunate, for she got many opportunities during the course of the day to serve Gurudev.

One evening, as she carried his coffee tray to his room, he called out and asked, “Who ironed my clothes today?” Ironing his clothes was one task that she never allowed anyone else to do. This was her job and she was very happy to do it. But she sensed in his tone that something was the matter. “I did, Swamiji,” she said, with a little apprehension. “Come, see this”, Gurudev said.

She walked up to him and saw the kurta he held out. It had several unironed creases down one sleeve. The devotee was ashamed to see the shoddiness of her work. Knowing that Gurudev was never scruffy and untidy, she should have known better.

As she held out her hand for the kurta Gurudev said sternly, but kindly, “Whenever you do any work, make sure you give it your full attention. Any work that is worth doing, should be worth doing well. “This goes for all work, big or small. Try to bring perfection to whatever you do. Then it might be cleaning a bathroom. All work is work for the Lord.
So there can be no chalta-hai in it. One more thing — always, ALWAYS, learn to enjoy whatever you are doing. And see the difference in the output!”