Rev. Ryugen Watanabe Karma Yoga is not just work. Karma yoga is working with complete awareness, but without attachment to the fruits of the labor or outcome of the work. The doing of the work is the end in itself, not a means for the ego to attain some reward, pay ment or anything else. The purpose of karma yoga is to do work for the sake of doing it. It is wrong to think that by doing karma yoga one will benefit.
Karma yoga is unconditional and without expectation.
This applies to all practices - zazen, yoga, meditation. The purpose of zazen and yoga is not to attain enlightenment - the practice itself is really the only goal. The obvious and immediate benefits that result from these practices occur almost as by-products, or side effects. Flexibility and clarity of mind, for example, will come to those who faithfully practice the Zen Yoga asanas. One will never, however, achieve enlightenment by expecting it to be delivered as a reward for all the hard work.