Karma: A Yogi’s Guide to Crafting Your Destiny by Sadhguru

246 Pages
Publisher: Rodale Inc., Harmony
Release Date: April 27, 2021

Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Self-Help

The book is divided into the following parts and chapters.

Part One
Chapter 1: Karma – The Eternal Enigma
Chapter 2: Volition – The Basis of Karma
Chapter 3: Karma as Memory
Chapter 4: The Great Karmic Warehouse

Part Two
Chapter 6: Karma Yoga
Chapter 7: Karma Yoga and the Physical Body
Chapter 8: Karma Yoga and the Mental Body
Chapter 9: Karma Yoga and the Energy Body

Part Three

This book taught me that karma was more than I thought it was. I enjoyed reading about the different layers of the body, along with postures and breathing. It is written in a very easy to understand style. I think my favorite part is when the Pope is driving the car. If you need a little uplifting, this may be the book for you.

The word 'Karma' is so often used that we think of it in too simplistic terms and the commonly used meaning doesn't do it justice even a bit. Thankfully we have modern day gurus like Sadhguru to explain and impart knowledge on the deep philosophy of “karma” and demystify it for ordinary people like us. It starts off with the roots of the word on a base level to the whole world behind the concept as well.

People always blame karma for everything bad that occurs in their lives but this book will explain how it can actually be controlled by us itself. How things merge into us from surroundings, into our memories, into our genes is all explained beautifully yet in simple terms. The writing also follows the same witty Sadhguru style with real life relevant examples to reach out to people of all spheres of life. The language is simple, straightforward, not too flowery and is of conversational style to be consumed by all.

I absolutely recommend everyone to read this book and take a trip on the whole topic of “Karma”. This one is bound to be an enlightening read without a doubt! If Sadhguru is new to you, you should definitely look into his videos on youtube!

Sadhguru’s Karma book is a riveting read, a must for all interested in understanding how life works. Sadhguru has delivered a masterpiece. He has written a book not to just answer questions about karma, but as a way to open our mind to explore, experience and use it in our lives to chart our own course in life.

I grew up with the idea that karma was destiny, something that was pre-ordained, something which was beyond my comprehension. Karma was something to go through, handled, managed or even suffered, without having a choice about it.

Sadhguru totally shatters the myth that karma is destiny and so many other myths that have gathered around this word. He methodically, and painstakingly explains in detail how karma actually works and how it can be a source of our empowerment. He anticipates, counters and answers our unasked questions through out the book, including specific questions in the latter part of the book. He speaks from a certain knowing, and his piercing logic and clarity is apparent in the precise, and sometimes brutal, honesty with which he discusses the topic.

This book can be looked at as a treatise on Karma. It explores the topic intellectually and in great detail, for example, defining and classifying the different types of karma. At the same time, it is a practical guide that can be used to live one’s life consciously and joyfully. In the second part of the book, he gives specific methods and tools how one can do this and move towards liberation.

In his own inimitable style, Sadhguru intersperses the discussion on Karma with deeply insightful and witty stories which drive the point home beautifully.

The ultimate goal of the author is to get us started on a journey of self exploration of “freedom and discovery. “ He states, he is “ not interested in offering spiritual advice. …What I offer is a way, a living process”

In many ways, I felt this is a book about how life works and how we can use the process of life to create our destiny.

It is a book highly recommended for all- the novice, the intellectual, the academic, the seeker, the spiritual or simply, the curious ones.

I had no idea, before reading Sadhguru’s Karma book, just how wrong I got it. I thought that “karma” was a system of punishments and rewards, that when misfortune happened, I was paying back a past-due debt, and good deeds were a deposit towards some future reward. Even if I handled whatever was thrown my way, I secretly believed that I didn’t really have control, and life felt like suffering – a series of judgments of good and bad, with no equanimity.

In this beautiful, eye-opening book, Sadhguru turns the tables by showing us clearly that Karma is an empowering possibility for taking charge of our lives by choosing how we respond to what is happening. This book gives us the tools and actual practices to make this shift in taking responsibility, as the first step towards our true liberation and a more conscious planet.

Sadhguru challenges us to start by bringing joy and gratitude to everything we do, and eliminating a single question, “what about me?” as a necessary step to annihilate an inflated sense of self-importance, that is the cause of so much suffering, to reach our true potential, as individuals and as a part of humanity. I cannot think of a more important book to share!

A thoughtful explanation of the true meaning and energy of karma. Readers might feel empowered and inspired to live intentionally with greater peace and joy.

Sadhguru is so wise. More great wisdom and ideas here. I enjoyed this very much. Recommended.

Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!

I have been affected by the teachings of Sadhguru and his messages always provide the direction and the hope of finding a clearer path to travel. This wonderful book continues to deliver as the reader learns about Karma. This concept of responsibility for our actions lives deep within us. Sadhguru’s words of wisdom will enable us to alleviate the muddled moments in our lives, change our behaviors and to seek joy and enlightenment in the most difficult situations.
This book is coming at a most perfect time and is a highly recommended read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Sadhguru for an ARC in exchange for a book review.