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Karma-Yoga: The Indian Model of Moral Development

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Abstract

A comprehensive model of moral development must encompass moral sensitivity, moral reasoning, moral motivation, and moral character. Western models of moral development have often failed to show validity outside the culture of their origin. We propose Karma-Yoga, the technique of intelligent action discussed in the Bhagawad Gita as an Indian model for moral development. Karma-Yoga is conceptualized as made up of three dimensions viz. duty-orientation, indifference to rewards, and equanimity. Based on survey results from 459 respondents from two large Indian organizations, we show that the dimensions of Karma-Yoga are related to moral sensitivity, moral motivation, and moral character.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Management and Labour Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India

    Zubin R. Mulla

  2. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, India

    Venkat R. Krishnan

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Correspondence to Zubin R. Mulla.

Appendix

Appendix

Scale for Karma-Yoga (duty-orientation)

  1. 1.

    I am aware of my obligations to others.

  2. 2.

    I feel it is my duty to contribute to others.

  3. 3.

    I hesitate to do what is expected of me (negatively scored).

  4. 4.

    I willingly do whatever task is assigned to me.

  5. 5.

    I gladly perform all duties, which are allotted to me.

  6. 6.

    Once I agree to do a task, I make sure that I complete it.

Scale for Karma-Yoga (indifference to rewards)

  1. 1.

    I expect to be rewarded for whatever work I do (negatively scored).

  2. 2.

    While working, I keep thinking about what I will get in return (negatively scored).

  3. 3.

    I work only when I see that there is some personal benefit for me (negatively scored).

  4. 4.

    I cannot work when I know that I will not get anything in return for my efforts (negatively scored).

  5. 5.

    When I am given a task, I first think about how I will benefit from it (negatively scored).

  6. 6.

    When I do something well, I expect recognition from others (negatively scored).

Scale for Karma-Yoga (equanimity)

  1. 1.

    I am neutral toward success and failure.

  2. 2.

    Compared to others, I get less depressed if I fail on a task.

  3. 3.

    Compared to others, I get less excited by my success.

  4. 4.

    I can work well only when my environment is comfortable (negatively scored).

  5. 5.

    I do not get distracted by physical discomforts when I am working.

  6. 6.

    I can remain concentrated on my work even if I am uncomfortable.

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Mulla, Z.R., Krishnan, V.R. Karma-Yoga: The Indian Model of Moral Development. J Bus Ethics 123, 339–351 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-013-1842-8

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