P K Langar
Karma, which causes genesis and support of beings, in a broader sense, means action, good or evil. But when understood with regard to the destiny of mortal beings, it conveys a much deeper meaning. It could be comprehended that the status of our present life in an out come of some-total of our deeds of past incarnations. In other words every one of us is helplessly driven to actions (or forced to act) which are borne out of tendencies, impulses, characteristics and habits of previous life. This also determines the future environments of the embodied Soul (Jiva), since It takes birth in a body which is the most appropriate instrument to display the above. Suffice to say that Karma of our previous life dictate our present place of birth, family and surroundings including pain, sorrow and pleasures we have to go through in our present life.
Another understanding of Karma is one’s duty (Dharma) in life one is born with. For attaining perfection, one should pursue ones assigned duty whole heartedly without wavering or aiming at the fruit of that action ( which may accrue) to purify the Self and remove the veil of ignorance which is shrouded by worldly actions. Lord Krishna while motivating Arjuna , who was born as a Ksatriya, to fight since it was latter’s Dharma (duty) , without caring whether that act was painful and brought sorrow , is an apt example of performing dedicated duty selflessly.
As per our scriptures, there are three kinds of Karma — “Sancita Karma”, which has been accumulated (like a debit balance) by virtue of our past lives and will impact our present and future lives as per scheme of things of God’s Maya (the lower truth). The “Agami Karma” will accumulate according to actions (both good and evil) of our present life and will influence our future lives if not exhausted. The third and the most important one is “Prarabdha Karma” which is already bearing fruit and controls our destiny and makes events happen in our life both good and bad, pleasure and suffering till they are exhausted. The above will lead an ignorant to believe that why be good and righteous in this life when it is dictated by one’s past deeds. However, the wise understand that the primary aim of our present life is to realize God by striving to achieve Perfection by selflessly performing our assigned duties towards our family, society and country without any desire for commercial benefits. By doing this the fire of knowledge will reduce the present Karma ( Agami)to ashes and will help in attaining salvation if this knowledge is further evolved in future lives also. Hence it is incumbent on us to make an effort in our present life to be righteous and always remain connected with the Supreme Self, surrendering ourselves to Him, love Him for love’s sake and loving and serving His creation by selfless actions. One needs to have full faith in God for He is a great dispenser of fruit of action. Also striving to attain knowledge in ones present life will help destroying Sancita Karma, where as the Agami Karma is likely to become abortive if no new Karma is added. However, the Prarabdha Karma will have to run out its course in our present life, but a Karma Yogi, with evenness of mind and stead fast in his resolve, may not be affected by it.
Performing work with worldly desire is of little value in one’s spiritual evolution if one’s mind is deluded by thought of results. Lord Krishna during His discourse explained to Arjuna the philosophy of “Karam Yoga”. This required an individual to perform his dedicated duty by combination of Vidya (consciousness with ego) and Avidya (egoless but ignorant) meaning thereby that good of above both be embraced, i.e., consciousness with egoless is the best way a Karma can be performed. For this will not only incur any further bondage but also transform it into an efficient means of freedom. Also Karma Yogi strives to attain freedom from God’s Maya (Prakriti, the lower truth) and succeeds to forge forward to realize Self. However, it is also incumbent for beings living under bondage to perform work since no one can ever rest for a moment, for even bare maintenance of mortal body is not possible if one is inactive. This is due to the fact for all are made to act helplessly by the Gunas, the primary constituents of the Prakriti, and basis of all substance.
It is pertinent to understand that an action (Karma) is an action with desire as long as the idea of actorship of the self (ego) holds good. However as the idea of actor ship disappears , no matter what is done , action loses it nature and becomes harmless and can no longer bind the Self ( Jiva) to the body for re-birth. On the other hand even if an individual is inactive but the idea of actorship is in thoughts he is constantly performing action (with desire). The thought of “I am the doer of an action”, is an understanding deluded by egoism and adds to already accumulated Karma. This prevents one to attain freedom since the cloud of Karma hides the Self-Sun from the view. It is discouraging to notice individuals feel satisfied performing Karma (ritualistic work) with desire in this relative world (Samsara) bringing to the fore their ignorance, however the wise dispel this thought.
The obligatory work like Yajna ( with knowledge) helping others (social work), looking after one’s dependents, destitute and animals , involving no desire for fruit, should not be relinquished as they are enjoyed by ordinance. Similarly giving gifts to a worthy and needy person, who does no service in return, does not add to one’s Karma and helps in achieving Perfection. However some of the devotees religiously worship Devas by performing Yajna with desire and requesting the latter to shower their blessings and worldly pleasures. They also visit holy places even if they are located in hostile environments, to purify themselves from all sins and pray for passage to heaven. However, if they do succeed in attaining divine pleasure in the world of Devas, they are forced to return to the mortal world after the effect of their good deeds and sacrifice is exhausted thus failing to attain salvation (Mosksha). It is pertinent to mention that beings born in pious and affluent environments will fail to further their spiritual evolution in their present life if they are selfish with inflated ego. They are likely to revert back to unrighteous and impure homes in next life.
Finally to attain eternal bliss and happiness and to fully utilize God’s given present life, a mortal being should strive to achieve perfection by performing his dedicated duty selflessly. This would be a stepping stone for realizing God in future and help him rise above the shackles of Prakriti (cycle of birth and death). To achieve this one needs to be a Karma Yogi and adopt a plan of conduct which scores the working out of past Karma (both good and evil), non accumulation of the new and striving for Self Realization with the whole ‘Will’, with no importance attached to anything else.
(The author is former Brigadier)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
