Sanchit Karma
Definition: Sanchit Karma refers to the accumulated deeds from all past lives. It represents the total number of actions and their results that a soul has to face. Since these karmas are vast and unlimited, they cannot be faced in a single lifetime.
Nature: These deeds are stored and carried over across lifetimes.
Concept of Rebirth: When a soul takes birth, it is meant to face a portion of its accumulated deeds, known as Prarabdha Karma.
Example: Sanchit Karma is like a vast reservoir of water, and Prarabdha Karma is the limited amount drawn from it for one lifetime.
Prarabdha Karma
- Definition: Prarabdha Karma is the portion of Sanchit Karma that is allocated for a specific life. It determines the circumstances of one’s current existence, including birth, family, health, and major life events.
- Fate and Destiny: Contrary to the belief that God creates our luck arbitrarily, Almighty God awards results based on our past deeds.
- Inevitability: Since it is already in motion, Prarabdha Karma must be faced.
- Shloka Reference: को दात्कस्मा ऽअदात्कामो दात्कामायादात । कामो दाता कामः प्रतग्रहीता कामतत्त ॥(Yajurveda 7/48)
- Meaning: Human beings are free to perform deeds, but God only awards the results.
Kriyamana Karma
- Definition: Kriyamana Karma consists of the deeds we perform in our present life. These actions generate fresh karma that influences our current and future lives.
- Free Will: Humans are free to act in a righteous or unrighteous manner.
- Future Impact: The balance of unaddressed deeds from Sanchit Karma will be considered in the next life.
Role of God in Karma
- Justice: God does not impose arbitrary fate. Instead, the results of our deeds are awarded in accordance with divine law.
- Moral Responsibility: Since humans possess free will, they must accept accountability for their actions.
Path to Salvation and Liberation
Performing pious deeds in accordance with the Vedas, Shastras, and under the guidance of a Guru can burn away Sanchit Karma.
- Salvation (Moksha): Liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth is attainable through righteous actions and spiritual discipline.
- Importance of a Guru: A learned Guru guides seekers on the right path by teaching Vedic principles.
- Continuous Effort: Hard work, righteous deeds, and regular worship lead to spiritual growth and salvation.
The Concept of True Worship
Worship does not imply abandoning family duties or worldly responsibilities.
- Balanced Life: Spiritual progress must be pursued alongside worldly achievements in education, career, and family life.
- Eternal Law: God has created the universe based on unchangeable laws mentioned in the Vedas.
वदोऽखलो धममल स्मतशील च तद्वदाम । आचारश्चव साधनामात्मनस्तिष्टरव च ॥ (Manusmriti 2/6)
- Meaning: All dharma originates from the Vedas.
कम ब्रह्मोद्भव वद्ध ब्रह्माक्षरसमद्भवम | तस्मात्सवगतं ब्रह्म नत्य यज्ञ प्रतिष्ठतम || (Bhagavad Gita 3/15)
- Meaning: Karmas emanate from the Vedas, and the Vedas emanate from God.
Understanding the Types of Actions
Karma
- Definition: Deeds that are aligned with Vedic principles and dharma.
- Effect: Leads to spiritual growth and well-being.
Example: Charity, selfless service, and adherence to righteousness.
Vikarma
- Definition: Deeds performed against Vedic teachings, causing harm.
- Effect: Results in negative consequences and karmic debt.
Example: Violence, dishonesty, and unethical behavior.
Akarma
- Definition: Inaction, characterized by laziness, indulgence, and ignorance.
- Effect: Leads to stagnation and wasted opportunities.
Example: Excessive sleeping, intoxication, and neglect of duties.
The Role of Purusharth (Effort)
- Definition: Purusharth is the application of determined effort and righteous action.
- Divine Support: As the saying goes, God helps those who help themselves.
- Overcoming Laziness: Hard work without procrastination is the key to success.
- Shloka Reference:
कमण्यवाधकारस्त मा फलष कदाचन |मा कमफलहतभमा त सङ्गोऽस्त्वकमण || (Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
- Meaning: Perform your duties without attachment to the fruits of your actions.
Vivek and Avivek
- Vivek: True understanding, the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
- Avivek: Lack of discernment, resulting in poor decision-making.
- Acquiring Knowledge: Wisdom is attained by studying Vedas, interacting with learned saints, and practicing Havan and Ashtang Yoga.
न ह ज्ञानन सदृशं पवत्रमह वद्यत | तत्स्वय योगससद्ध: कालनात्मन वन्दत || (Bhagavad Gita 4.38)
- Meaning: There is nothing as purifying as knowledge in this world.One who has attained purity of mind through prolonged practice of Ashtang Yog, receives such knowledge within the heart, in due course of time.
By understanding the different types of karma and applying Vedic principles, one can lead a balanced life, progressing both spiritually and materially. Diligent effort, righteous deeds, and unwavering dedication to spiritual practice pave the path to liberation. Through divine justice, humans receive the consequences of their actions, making conscious living essential for attaining ultimate freedom (Moksha).
The Vedic wisdom provides a comprehensive guide to living a holistic life in harmony with oneself and the world. Through these ancient teachings and shlokas, one can find clarity, purpose, and peace in modern times.
