Karma Yoga
What is Karma Yoga?
In the yogic tradition, Karma Yoga is one of the four main paths of yoga, alongside Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Jnana Yoga (knowledge), and Raja Yoga (meditation). Karma Yoga is the path of action, where selfless service becomes a spiritual practice. It’s not about what you do, but how you do it—acting with consciousness and without attachment to the outcome.
At the 3HO Winter Solstice Sadhana Celebration, Karma Yoga is more than just helping—it’s a way to connect deeply with community, align with purpose, and elevate your experience through service.
“It is Dharma that you through Karma, yoga will serve anybody and everybody without discrimination. Thus, you will cleanse yourself of the Karma and you will be enlightened in your grace and happiness of accomplishment. You are here now, none of us has features like each other, we are different in size and weight and shape, in caliber. Even in consciousness, even in development, we have come from different backgrounds, we have different experiences, we have different ideas. With all that, we are one.”
~ Yogi Bhajan
Why Karma Yoga Matters
Karma Yoga helps us move beyond the self and into a space of seva, or selfless service. When we act without expectation of reward, we begin to dissolve the ego and experience unity with others and with the Divine. This is a foundational principle in the Bhagavad Gita, where Karma Yoga is described as a path to liberation through right action.
How it works
At Winter Solstice, every participant agrees to serve daily as part of the event experience. When you register, you are not only signing up to attend—you are committing to actively support the gathering through Karma Yoga, choosing a team and contributing a set number of hours each day.
This shared service is essential—without it, the event simply couldn’t happen. From kitchen duties and site care to children’s activities and hospitality, every role helps create the sacred container that makes Solstice possible.
In the tradition of Kundalini Yoga, Karma Yoga is not separate from the practice—it is the practice. Through selfless service, we embody the teachings off the mat, dissolve the ego, and connect with the deeper spirit of Sangat (community). It’s not just what you do, but the consciousness you bring to it that transforms simple acts into profound spiritual work.
What You’ll Receive
By engaging in Karma Yoga, you receive:
- A deeper connection to yourself and the sangat (community)
- An opportunity to embody yogic values off the mat
- A sense of purpose and grounding in the flow of the event
- The joy of knowing that your presence made a difference
From Doing to Being
You don’t need to be an expert or have specific skills—what matters is your willingness to serve. Whether you’re helping for the first time or have supported Solstice for years, every act of service contributes to the sacredness of the space we create together.
Karma Yoga is not a chore. It’s a chance to practice yoga in action—where lifting a dish, sweeping a floor, or offering directions becomes a meditation in presence, humility, and love.
Choose Your Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga is how daily operations happen at our 3HO Winter Solstice Sadhana Celebration. You sign up for Karma Yoga when you register.
AV & Sound
Help support teachers, musicians, and presenters with audio and stage needs.
Green & Clean
Keep our shared spaces clean, cared for, and uplifted.
Gurdwara
Serve in the sacred space of the Gurdwara. Experience the blessing of devotion through Seva.
Hospitality
Be a welcoming presence to all—assist with participant support and info areas.
Karma Yoga and Service Exchange Support
Help participants select their Karma Yoga team and support team managers.
Kitchen – Breakfast
Start to heat up the soups each morning at 5 am.
Kitchen – Clean Up and Dishwashing
Keep the kitchen as clean as possible and work off some karma scrubbing pots, pails, and buckets!
Kitchen – Dinner
Prepare and cook our classic yogi dinner of mung beans and rice, carrots, beets and salad. Make our Solstice Salad, carrots and beets!
Kitchen – Yogi Tea
Prep and serve Yogi Tea daily. Shifts are in the morning before breakfast and before/right after dinner.
Kitchen: Meal Serving
Help serve meals to the community with joy and efficiency. Be part of the flow that nourishes everyone each day.
Kitchen: Tantric Burgers
Join the energetic team preparing and serving our beloved post-Tantric veggie burgers—a cherished Winter Solstice tradition.
Kitchen – Lunch
Make our delicious lunch! This team also helps to make Sunday langar lunch.
Kitchen: Children’s Food
Help prepare food for our youngest attendees.
Kitchen – Veggie Chopping
Wash and chop all veggies for all our meals that fuel our nutritious camp diet. Most veggie chopping happens in the morning, between 5-10 am. This team is great to serve on if it’s your first Solstice.
Luggage
Be part of the first impression—assist participants with their luggage upon arrival and departure.
Media
Support storytelling and community connection through video, photography, and social media. Influencers welcome!
Programming
Support the coordination and flow of workshops, classes, and special events.
Registration / Check-In
Welcome participants and help them get oriented as they arrive at the event.
Security
Help maintain a safe and respectful environment for all.
Senior Seva Team
Support our beloved elder community members throughout the event.
