From the Editor's Desk

No living being can ever be in a state of inaction, not even when asleep. When not engaged in overt physical action, the material mind bound by the three gunas (i.e., sattva, rajas, and tamas), contemplates something at all times. Given that inactivity is impossible, the question that arises is how to engage the body, mind, and intellect synergistically for balancing material and spiritual duties.

In this issue of Samarpan, let us understand the duty of the soul, and for practical purposes, ways to strike a balance in fulfilling both types of duties or dharmas. Let us understand how to apply this Vedic knowledge (i.e., tatvagyan) taught by Swami Mukundananda, the Founder of JKYog, a global organization whose mission is to Transform the World Through Wisdom.

Vedic Wisdom and Application

Challenge of the Month: Balancing Material and Spiritual Duties

Reflection Questions:

• What is the Duty of the Soul?
• What is the Difference between Material and Spiritual Duties?
• What is the Outcome of Fulfilling Material vs. Spiritual Duties?
• What is the Source of Confusion Regarding Material and Spiritual Duties?
• How can we Balance Material and Spiritual Duties?

No living being can ever be in a state of inaction either physically or mentally (BG 3.5). When not engaged in overt physical action, the material mind bound by the three gunas (i.e., sattva, rajas, and tamas), contemplates something at all times. Even when asleep, the organs continue to function and the mind remains engaged at the subconscious level. Given that inactivity is impossible, it is better to engage in some action to fulfill one’s duty as opposed to engaging the body and working senses in frivolous pursuits. The question that arises then is whether to engage the body, mind, and intellect in material duties, spiritual duties, or both.

In this issue of Samarpan, let us first understand the duty of the soul. Then we will delve into other aspects that explain the difference between material or spiritual duties, the outcome of each, the source of confusion regarding these duties, and finally ways to find a balance between material and spiritual duties for success in life. 

What is the Duty of the Soul? 

In the Bhakti Shatak scripture written by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and narrated by Swamiji at the 2023 Spiritual Retreat & Family Camp, there are six different religions and philosophical schools that have explained the dharma of the soul. The word dharma derives from the root word Dhriya which means something that is worth upholding. How we identify with ourselves determines our dharma. If we identify with the physical body, then the Varnashram (i.e., householder) dharma applies to us. However, if we identify with the soul, then our dharma is to attain God. Additionally, if we identify with the body but possess the knowledge that we are the soul, then too the spiritual dharma applies to us.

What is the Difference between Material and Spiritual Duties?

The Vedic scriptures describe one’s duties as dharma. The English language has no word equivalent to dharma, which constitutes different concepts based on the context. For example, it includes one’s values, principles, attitudes, behaviors, code of ethics/conduct, charity, philanthropy, and karm or actions. However, the rule of dharma changes with time (i.e., period in history), place (i.e., country), varna (i.e., social caste), and stage of life (e.g., Vanaprastashram, etc.). The Vedic scriptures also explain that dharma is created by God and no one, not even a Rishi, is equipped to know its secret unless God enables a soul the power to comprehend its essence. 

Click here to read more.

What is the Outcome of Fulfilling Material vs. Spiritual Duties?

This is a very important question because knowledge of the outcome will enable each of us to select the path that is beneficial for the soul. 

Swamiji has beautifully explained in his lectures that there are people who follow the material duties with perfection but are not engaged in the spiritual dharma (i.e., karmi). Such souls are promoted to the celestial abode when the body perishes. The celestial abode presents all kinds of unimaginable opulence, yet there are some limitations. The celestial abode also falls within the material realm which is temporary in nature. Here, the soul does not find permanent happiness. Besides, given that this is the bhog yoni, the soul cannot earn the merits of engaging in bhakti and therefore, cannot attain God.

Click here to read more.

What is the Source of Confusion Regarding Material and Spiritual Duties?

The outcomes of each type of duty may help to decrease the confusion that people experience regarding their roles and responsibilities. However, people are confused because neglecting material duties almost always has immediate adverse consequences. These are the sources of people’s concerns:



1. Societal Conditioning: Our society often places significant emphasis on material success, wealth, and external achievements. This conditioning can create a belief system that prioritizes worldly pursuits, making it challenging for people to prioritize their spiritual growth and fulfillment.
2. Competing Priorities... Click here to read more.

How can We Balance Material and Spiritual Duties?

In The Power of Thoughts, Swamiji quoted the Atharva Veda which states that “There are two kinds of knowledge that we must cultivate—material knowledge and spiritual knowledge. The knowers of Brahman have said this” (p. 188). The reference here is to engage in both material and spiritual duties like a karm yogi. Please refer to the September 2022 issue of Samarpan that focuses on understanding and implementing the spiritual dharma of karm yog (Karm Yog – Science of Work). Here, we present some practical strategies to balance both material and spiritual duties. 

Click here to read more.

Tools for Your Personal Growth

We have understood the difference between material and spiritual duties and the need to fulfill each type of duty for a balanced life. Here are some reflective questions to help us to gauge our alignment with both types of duties or dharmas. 



A downloadable tracking sheet is available for you to use. Use it to assess yourself.

Gems of Wisdom from Swamiji

Here is a YouTube video where Swamiji has explained the material and spiritual dharma. For other resources, click here.

Love to Hear from You!

• How did you apply the Vedic Wisdom? 
• What challenges did you experience in the process? Please visit our webpage and share.

Hold Your Breath - Upcoming Event

We are very excited to share a dynamite event with you that everyone is looking forward to early next month!

JKYog Dallas Retreat: Celebrate the Power of Knowledge and Enlightenment

A spiritual retreat with Swamiji is the most awaited, life-transforming and blissful of all programs. Hundreds of devotees participate in these retreats to take advantage of the opportunity to “leave the whole world behind” and focus on sadhana. If you yearn for personal time from the demands of work and family to do your sadhana, this is the best opportunity to give yourself the gift of time for your own internal growth. 

Here are the details:

• When: September 2 to 4, 2023 (Saturday to Monday)
• Where: Holiday Inn, 1655 N Central Expy, Richardson, TX 75080
• How: In-Person or virtually. 

Register now if not done already! Time is running out!

Voices from the Global Community

JKYog’s e-Journal Samarpan inspires the community by introducing you to members who have been impacted by the scriptural knowledge taught and disseminated by Swamiji. This month, two devotees, Anupama Mullapati and Ritu Murarka, describe what they learned from Swamiji’s teachings regarding material and spiritual duties.  Click here to continue reading.

JKYog Transforming Communities

Here, we would like to share the amazing activities and news about programs conducted by various JKYog centers in the U.S. 

JKYog Program for Children – Bal-Mukund

Bal-Mukund is a specially designed character-building program, designed and mentored by Swamiji. It focuses on the holistic development of the child and hones their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual quotient. Multiple Bal-Mukund centers across the US have been imparting quality education and shaping the lives of thousands of children since its inception.



There are six centers that offer this program on a weekly basis. Check out if there is a program in your city.

Glimpses of Past Events

Want a glimpse of some of our events? This month we share beautiful glimpses of JKYog Spiritual Retreat and Family Camp.