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Advanced Course in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism324
the game while it is being played. He does not seem to be “attached” to the
fruits of his work, although this is not apparent to those who view him from
a distance. He feels that he is a cog in the great machinery, and is willing to
play his part. Many of the things he does, or apparently does (the doing is
really done by many men, whose interests conflicting and agreeing, focus
upon him) bear hard upon many of the race, but close observers see that
he, and others of his kind, are unconsciously paving the way for the great
economic changes that are coming to the race, and which are based upon
a dawning consciousness of the Brotherhood of Man. We do not hold out
this man as an illustration of a Karma Yogi—he is not that, because he lives
the life unconsciously and without understanding, while the Karma Yogi is
fully conscious of what it all means and understands the causes behind it.
We merely cite this case as an illustration of its common occurrence. Many
others in all walks of life are practicing some of the principles of Karma Yoga
more or less unconsciously. They speak of taking life “philosophically,” by
which they mean they are not allowing themselves to become “attached,” or
to take too seriously the fruits of their labors, attained or anticipated. They
work, more or less, from a love of work—“work for work’s sake”—they like
to be “doing things,” and take a pleasure in the game of life, that is, in the
game itself rather than in its prizes. They play the game—play it well—play
it with a zest—take an interest in its workings and details. But as for the
trumpery prizes that are to be awarded to the winners, they want none
of them, let those who value those things have them, the real player has
outgrown such childishness.
Fame, position, prestige, the world’s cheap favors are despised by the
strong men—they see them as the baubles that they are. They leave such
things for the children. They may allow the prize ribbon to be pinned to
their coats, but in their hearts they smile at it. The other players in the game
may not detect this inner consciousness, and to all intents and purposes the
awakened player may be like those around him—but he knows, and they
know not.