Hinduism 7(Karma 1)

Karma

Karma is the most basic doctrine of Sanatana Dharma and a thorough understanding of the
dynamics of Karma is essential for any degree of Spiritual advancement. Sanatana Dharma takes
for granted that there is order pervading the universe. Karma is the doctrine of the economy of
action. The word Karma means ‘action’ and refers to the entire cycle of action and its
consequences. Every action in addition to its material goal, produces a moral consequence which
manifests as either joy or sorrow. Whatever we put out into the universe we get back in equal
measure. All positive actions produce happiness and all negative actions result in suffering. This
law operates whether we are aware of it or not. It is the process by which we shape our own
destinies and build up our own reality. Through ignorance we bind ourselves by selfish actions,
feelings or thoughts. As long as our actions are directed towards self gratification alone, there is
not the slightest possibility of working towards liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. Even
the smallest thought or act has consequences which are not settled with death.
Cause Effect

In this life we experience the effect of our past actions, and often feel resentful that we are now
suffering for the course of action set into motion by someone else. But when one looks at life from the point of view of immortality, and the Self as an eternal imperishable spiritual atom, then
everything falls into a pattern of cause and effect. Karma, as the law of spiritual dynamics, makes us self-reliant beings with the realization that we can never escape responsibility. We can never plead ignorance of the law, nor take the attitude — “this time it won’t matter!” In fact the effect is inherent in the cause and therefore the two are in fact one continuum. In the inviolability of the law lies our potential freedom. It enables us to modify, change and remold our character which is the result of our past lives, and to create our future character in greater perfection — improving on our mistakes from the past, knowing that not one single iota of effort goes to waste. Objections are often raised that the doctrine of Karma is unjust because we are now suffering for actions we have done in the past of which we have no recollection. Recollection of the exact cause is irrelevant, the causes may be manifold, but the effect in ourselves and in others is either joy or sorrow. Every single action that we do potentially has a threefold effect — it either makes someone happy or sad or leaves them feeling indifferent. Actions which cause indifference do not have much of a karmic effect. Actions which cause either sorrow or joy to others will rebound upon the doer.