The logic behind the concept of Karma - T.S.Prem Kumar, Madurai

The logic behind the concept of Karma   - T.S.Prem Kumar, Madurai

In simple terms, the law of karma suggests that a person's mental and physical actions determine the progress of his life on earth. What ever actions he undertakes, both his good and bad actions, impact his life in several ways and bring twists and turns in the course of his life. His bad actions lead him to suffering and unhappiness, while his good actions lead him to happiness and spiritual success.   This is a verifiable logic. No convincing proof other than our own experiences is required to prove that we reap as we sow. For example if a student prepares well for his exams, very likely he will get good marks and succeed. But if he ignores studies, the chances are he will fail.  Sometimes despite of all the good work and sincere intentions, the opposite may also happen. A student may prepare well for his exam and may fail. A very evil and wicked person may earn the jackpot. Our ordinary logic and intellect cannot explain these events. But karma theory can.  According to the concept of karma, the events in our lives need not be determined by our actions in this life, but also by the actions that we did in our previous lives. This explains why an evil person sometime seems to succeed and amass wealth, while a good hearted soul may be passing through adversity. Although the logic behind the concept of karma is quite logical and convincing, it also leaves us with anxiety, because we all know that it is not always possible to perform good actions. Besides we may not even know what consequences our actions would lead to. Some of our actions may prove harmful to others, while we may think otherwise. In these circumstances how are we supposed to conduct ourselves? Should we stop all action because every action will have some negative impact at some level? Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad gita provides us with a convincing answer in this regard. He informs us that even if a man wants to stop all actions it would not be possible because living itself is an action oriented process. So the best way to undertake actions is to perform them without desire and without attachments. Actions performed with desire, with attachment, for a selfish purpose and egoism would lead to bondage and suffering, while actions performed without desire, without attachment and actions done in the name of God, for the sake of God and as offerings to God, without desiring the fruit of such actions, would lead to stability of mind and liberation from the cycle of births and deaths.  The teachings of the Bhagavad gita about karma are nor mere philosophical speculations. The scripture has invaluable and practical lessons on human behavior and psychology. It tells us how to live in peace amidst intense activity and how to keep our calm and sanity in a disturbing environment.

Principles and Practice of Karma Yoga

Karmayoga or Yoga of action is based upon  the following principles: 1.  Man cannot escape from performing actions, howsoever he may live. Therefore man should not renounce actions. 2.  True renunciation means renunciation of the desire for the fruit of ones action, not the action itself. 3.    The deluded man thinks egoistically that "I am the doer," not realizing that it is Nature which engage men in actions through the triple gunas of sattva (purity), rajas (passion) and tamas (crudeness). 4.  Actions that are performed out of desire for the fruit of action and with a sense of doership bind men to the mortal world. 5.    In performing actions one should follow the example of God who engages Himself in actions though there is nothing for Him to do or achieve in all the worlds. To become perfect in karmayoga a devotee should approach men of knowledge, prostrate before them and know from them what is action and what is inaction. He should also cultivate the following qualities or virtues: 1.    Detachment. 2.    Equanimity of the mind 3.  Elimination or control of desires especially desire for the fruit of his actions. 4.    Surrender to God. 5.    Egolessness 6.    Single minded devotion to God Article received from                   --  - T.S.Prem Kumar, Madurai “Work unselfishly. Feel that you are only an instrument and that the Lord is working through you."- Swami Sivananda  Thank You