This is a conversation between Arjun and Shreya.
They are discussing about the importance of Theory of Karma in Sanatana Dharma.
Hello Shreya!
Hey Arjun, I’ve been thinking about the relationship between individuals and society. Can you shed some light on it?
Of course, Shreya. Humans are inherently social beings. Our relationship with the world around us is quite intricate, and Sanātana Dharma beautifully illustrates this connection.
How does Sanātana Dharma help in this context?
Sanātana Dharma serves as a bridge between an individual and the surrounding world, promoting mindfulness in daily living and balancing personal life with societal welfare.
That sounds fascinating. How does it work in practice?
To begin with, one must work in society to make a living. The physical body is the primary instrument to do any kind of work, as Kalidasa said, “शरीरमाद्यं खलु धर्मसाधनम्.” Hence, safeguarding one’s physical and mental health is paramount.
True. But what drives a person to act?
There are three primary drivers: motivation, instigation, and inspiration. Motivation provides the incentive to begin behaving in a particular way. Instigation pushes others to act without giving them a reason, often leading to undesirable outcomes. Inspiration, on the other hand, stems from our values and experiences, making the act itself enjoyable.
So, acting with inspiration is the most desirable?
Absolutely. Actions performed with inspiration are always positive and enjoyable. For instance, a mother enjoys bathing and dressing her child because she is inspired by her love and care.
That makes sense. How does one’s attitude towards work matter?
The attitude towards work classifies an individual as a worker or a laborer. For example, if a bricklayer at a construction site identifies his task as placing bricks, he is a laborer. But if he sees his work as part of building a shopping complex, he is a worker.
So, being a worker means seeing the bigger picture?
Exactly! Identifying your task as part of the team's collective achievement makes you a worker. It's important to see your role in the larger context.
What are human endeavors in Sanātana Dharma?
They are called purushārthās and are divided into four types: Dharma, Artha, Kāma, and Mōksha. Dharma is about acting righteously, Artha involves acquiring wealth and comforts, Kāma is about self-gratification, and Mōksha is about self-realization and final emancipation.
Can you elaborate on these types?
Sure! Dharma helps in distinguishing right from wrong and acting accordingly. Artha focuses on material wealth and comforts. Kāma deals with personal desires and pleasures. Collectively, these three form trivarga, motivated by worldly or heavenly pleasures. Mōksha, on the other hand, seeks liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
How does one achieve Mōksha?
A person seeking Mōksha is not interested in worldly pleasures. They act without the sense of ‘I am the doer’ or ‘I am the enjoyer’ of the results. Their mind remains calm and quiet, as described in the Gita.
That’s profound. Why is karma necessary?
Karma, or action, is essential for maintaining the body and achieving desires. Even the Gita states that action is superior to inaction. Sanātana Dharma ordains duties based on one’s life stage and virtues, inspiring people to act enthusiastically.
What is the theory of karma?
An action always expects a result. Whether the result is as desired or not, it binds one in the cycle of karma. One should focus on planning and executing actions well, without being attached to the result.
That’s quite insightful. What qualities are needed for success in action?
Four qualities: firmness (dhŗti), intellect (dhī), foresight (dŗshṭi), and competence (dakshata). These help in evaluating consequences, persevering through challenges, anticipating risks, and acquiring necessary skills.
It seems like a comprehensive approach. What kinds of actions are prescribed?
Rishis prescribed three kinds of actions: daily rituals (nitya karmas), rituals on special occasions (naimittika karmas), and rituals for special results (kāmya karmas). Actions outside these are prohibited and should not be performed.
This conversation has been enlightening, Arjun. I feel more connected to the principles of Sanātana Dharma now.
Arjun, can you tell me about the daily rituals in Sanātana Dharma?
Absolutely, Shreya. The actions we perform daily for survival, like eating, drinking, and ablution, are known as natural actions or sahaja karmas. These are unavoidable.
What about the prescribed daily duties?
According to Parāśara Smrithi, one should perform six duties daily:
Sandhyā Vandanam: Dawn/dusk prayer for spiritual connection and mental discipline. Snānam: Bathing for physical cleanliness and preparation to perform daily rituals.
Japa: Chanting to connect with the divine.
Hōma: Fire ritual.
Devatā Pūjanam: Worship of deities to foster devotion and gratitude.
Ātithyam: Hospitality to serve others, promoting generosity and recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.
How do these duties fit into modern life?
Today, our daily duties also include family welfare, professional responsibilities, social duties as citizens, and personal development. The essence remains the same, promoting balance and mindfulness in our lives.
What about rituals on special occasions?
These are performed during significant life events like weddings, upanayana (thread ceremony), poojas during festivals, birthdays, and funerals. Acts of a Good Samaritan, like voluntary community work, also fall under this category.
And what are rituals to obtain special results?
These are optional rituals performed to seek God’s blessings for fulfilling a particular wish, such as going on a pilgrimage, performing vrats (like Satyanarayana vrat), and conducting special pujas in temples.
That’s interesting. How do desires play into this?
A strong wish for an object is called a desire. Fulfilling it brings physical, mental, or financial happiness. These desires motivate us to take action, known as kāmya karmas. For example, at work, taking on additional responsibilities for a promotion is a motivated action.
What about prohibited actions?
Actions that harm others, like theft, fraud, violence, corruption, and hypocrisy, are forbidden. They are punishable by law and must be avoided.
Can you explain desireless actions?
Sure. Actions performed without any interest in their results are called nishkāma karma. These actions do not bind you in the cycle of karma. For example, helping a fellow passenger on a train without expecting anything in return is a desireless action.
That’s profound. How does the theory of karma work?
The theory of karma states that actions always yield results. If you are attached to the results, it binds you in the cycle of karma. Performing actions without attachment frees you from this cycle.
What qualities are needed for success in action?
Success requires four qualities: firmness (dhŗti), intellect (dhī), foresight (dŗshṭi), and competence (dakshata). These help in planning, persevering through challenges, anticipating risks, and acquiring necessary skills.
What does the Gita say about performing actions?
The Gita states that one should perform actions with an equal mind towards pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat. This way, one does not incur sin and remains detached from the results of actions.