Karma and its Influence on Indian Spirituality
Karma is a concept from the Upanishads that decrees, one’s actions in his current life determines the kind of life the person will lead upon reincarnation. Destinies are formed according to previous lives’ Karmas. As per the Upanishad concept of Karma, a good or positive deed goes towards the betterment of one’s life, just as harmful acts lead towards detriment. There are several types of Karmas. Karmas are classified according to one’s motive of performing a particular action. Some perform actions thinking of the rewards that the sacrifice will result in while others perform actions selflessly. According to the Upanishads, “These performers of Karma (sacrifice), be- cause of their attachment to the fruits (of their sacrifice), after a temporary enjoyment of their heavenly reward fall back again into misery.” (Eknath & Nagler, 1987).
The ultimate aim of life is to achieve liberation and end the birth-reincarnation cycle. “…this loop of Karma and destiny binds us and we remain entangled in it. The only way through which we can nullify our give and take account and destiny is through sustained and regular spiritual practice.” (“Karma (Destiny)”, 2015) Karma yoga is one of the ways to reach Moksha (spiritual realization). Karma yoga is explained briefly as “Doing your duty at your best without any involvement of ego or attachment.” (Jain, 2018) Karma yoga believes that one’s work is the key to achieving this spiritual realization. “…he may follow the path of right action (Karma-Nishld). Karma here means actions per- formed without selfish motive, for the sake of the Lord alone. When a man performs actions clinging blindly to his lower desires, then his actions bind him to the plane of ignorance or the plane of birth and death; but when the same actions are performed with surrender to God, they purify and liberate him.” (Eknath & Nagler, 1987).
References
Eknath, E., & Nagler, M. (1987). The Upanishads.
Jain, R. (2018). The Four Principles of Karma Yoga | Arhanta Yoga Blog. Retrieved 11 January 2020, from https://www.arhantayoga.org/blog/four-principles-of-karma-yoga/
Karma (Destiny). (2015). Retrieved 11 January 2020, from https://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org/spiritual-problems/karma/