by Gurani Anjali
Karma simply means action and the results of actions. Ancient wisdom tells us that “As we sow, so we will reap,” “Do for others, as you would like other to do for you.” All systems of belief agree on these.
Cause and effect, action and reaction—we are bound up and wound up by these—to move it all. And the traveler in life’s journey says, “Tell me more.”
Each one of us ought to be concerned with our karmic course so that we can flow into the great I am. We are here in this world as world-makers to perform a duty, working constantly to maintain the universe. We don’t realize this until the veils of illusion are removed.
Karma Sanchita is an accumulation of actions done in the past and that will come to fruition in the future, bringing great results of freedom or bondage.
Karma Prarabdha – this results in the present life of the individual. It is beyond control. And will manifest itself because it is already programmed. However, due to the blessing of freewill, we can take the initiative to shape the course of actions, thus bringing about a special change in our lives.
Karma Agami – is influenced by the actions taken in the present and resulting in the future (agami).
The doctrine of karma (the law of cause and effect)—think on this and act wisely. We are held in the balance of cause and effect. Look quietly. Speak sweetly. Hear silently. And breathe deeply and gently. A conscious progressive evolution for the jivatma (individual) is not easy. There is a fallacy in the common belief that if one does many good things and a few negative things (in thought, word and deed), that it would be a plus; and that the right outdoes the wrong. However, the law of karma doesn’t work that way. Good acts will produce positive results and so will the wrong acts produce negative results.
The law of karma brings about true justice—“an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”—divinely structured. Thought and decision making processes precede karma (action). The impressions of the past, created by karma (action), are developed into an individual’s natural tendencies which continue. Accumulation of past negative karmas must first be removed or else they will express themselves in speech and action. In the fire of knowledge these negative samskaras (past action impressions) must be burnt. Negative thoughts and words contribute towards the creation of bad karma and corresponding consequences are the result.
Through thought, word and deed, karmas are accumulated. Uncontrolled passions, desires, and greed go into the creation of bad karmas. Problems will not arise if the karma is based on service to God (Mahapurusha) and God’s creation, and with no thought of personal gains or personal attachments.
Karma yoga advises one to do work selflessly, and to surrender the fruits of action to God (Mahapurusha). This when done, one day at a time, creates no bondage.
Karma Yoga – selfless action performed as sacrifice for the benefit and evolution of divine consciousness.
Karma Offerings (Bhaga Varta) – it develops charisma and divine consciousness abounds.
Bhaga means a share or a part of a whole.
Varta means a promise or vow.
When we take all the income we earn and put a part of it aside with the intention to share in the physical burdens that come with perpetuating God’s (paramatma’s) work on earth, we then feel a sense of well being that comes with being supportive.
Live one day at a time; as you give, so you will receive. In the act of giving your faith in the yoga dharma is renewed and you begin to experience that the paramatma is alive and at work in the world as the life of all lives. Such knowledge expels loneliness.
Giving brings power (sakti); giving opens a door through which the spiritual sakti enters into the body of the giver; the result is joy abundant.
The act of giving must never be selfish. When we give in earnest, we receive many gifts. Sometimes they are material in nature and sometimes they are indefinable. Yoga discipleship in bhaga varta is strengthened through the guiding light of yama (restraint) and niyama (observance) in the yoga darsanam (orthodox Yoga system).
Om shanti,
Gurani Anjali