The word ‘Karma’ has been derived from the sanskrit word ‘Kri’ which means to do. Karma includes all actions or deeds. Even thinking is karma. Karma is the sum total of all acts, both in present and preceding life. Law- As a man sow so shall he reap nIf karma is good, it returns happiness, gain, success and if karma is bad it will return us grief, pain, loss, failure
Concepts of Karma
1.Prarabdha Karma- means those actions out of the accumulated Sanchit Karmas which have now become ripe and are ready to give fruits. They are commonly known as destiny, fate, fortune etc.
2.Kriyaman Karma- means an action done at the spur of the moment or present which instantaneously bears fruit and results in reaction
3.Sanchit Karma- means the actions done but not yet ripe to give fruits immediately, but take some time to ripen. Such karmas are kept pending in balance waiting for the opportune time to become ripe and give fruits in future. Till then they are accumulated.
Types of Karmas
1.Constructive and Destructive Actions
2.Obligatory Actions
3.Prohibited Actions
4.Optional Actions
5.Ethical Actions
Process of bondage of karmas
Karmas are derivatives of karman particles The karman particles are made up of non-living matter (pudgals) and are scattered and floating all over the universe A cluster of karman particles is called a karman vargana. When these karman varganas get attached to the soul they are called karmas. This process is called bondage of karmas to the soul.
When our activities are unintentional or without any passion, these karmas are called Dravya Karmas
When our activities are intentional or with passion they are called Bhava Karmas. They stay longer time with the soul while dravya karmas fall off almost immediately.
Karmas
1.Dstructive (ghati)- destroy true nature of the soul
2.Non-destructive (aghati)- only affect the body in which the soul resides
Intensity of Bondage of the Karmas
1.Loose Bondage- e.g. repent
2.Tight Bondage- e.g. atonement
3.Tighter Bondage- e.g. austerities
4.Tightest Bondage- e.g. bear the results
Actions Lead to Paths
1.Path of activity and desire- action with desire of reward (Sakam)
2.Path of desirelessness- action without desire of reward (Nishkam)
Benefits
1.It is the way of ethical action
2.Self-management is consistent with Karma yoga
3.Practicing karma yoga helps us practice deep awareness of self
4.It manages and controls the anger
5.Selfishness is eradicated
6.Feeling of oneness and unity will come
7.Realization of one in all and all in one will come
8.It brings ek-buddhi
9.It protects from greatest fear
10.Brings more harmony of Karma Yoga
Karam Yoga and Ethical Action
Active resistance to unethical action is the central idea in the karma doctrine Nishkam Karma and Sakam Karma
Nishkma karma relates to detached involvement with the material world
Sakam Karma relates to attached involvement with the material world
Sakam Sadhna- spiritual practice done with the expectations of worldly achievements like a good job, promotion at work etc.
Nishka Sadhna- spiritual practice done with the sole aim of spiritual growth
Nishkam Karma and the Business World
Nishkam Karma is the best route for self-development and transformation for managers and workers
Preeti Nigam
Sr. Lecturer, Production and Operations Management