What is the role of karma in life
The role of karma has been profound and central in Indian philosophy, especially in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions. “Karma” literally means “work” or “action”, but from a philosophical perspective it refers not only to an action but also to the result of that action.
What is the role of karma
Determining the direction of life According to ancient belief, the circumstances of a person’s current life – birth, happiness, suffering, illness and health – were all considered to be the result of the karma of previous lives.
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The basis of moral discipline The principle of karma teaches that every action has a certain consequence – whether one sees it or not. This motivates a person to adopt virtues such as Dharma, Satya, Karma and Seva, believing that good deeds will bring good results.
Linked to the theory of rebirth
In Indian philosophy, karma and rebirth are interconnected.
Good deeds lead to heaven or a good birth,
Bad deeds lead to a painful life or birth in a lower yoni.
Its purpose was:
To motivate the individual towards self-upliftment,
And to raise life above immediate pleasures.
Freedom from power and fate
The theory of karma gave people the idea that your destiny is in your hands –
Neither is God partial,
Nor is anyone above or below any caste, class or status –
Rather, it is karma that makes a person high or low.
Inspiration for meditation and introspection
Due to karma, a person remained cautious about his thoughts, words and conduct.
Every moment there was a feeling that “I have to bear the consequences of what I am doing.” This increased accountability and self-control in life.
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Has the role of karma weakened today?
In today’s world:
People have started considering immediate benefits, cunningness and deceit as the key to success.
The feeling of long-term results of karma has weakened.
There is a discrepancy between religion and conduct.
But still, the principle of karma is as relevant today as it is now, because:
“What you sow today, you reap tomorrow” – this principle applies not only in spirituality, but in every sphere of life.
Importance of Karmayoga in Gita
“Karmayoga” has a very important place in the Bhagavad Gita. The entire message of the Gita revolves around karma, duty, and nishkam bhaav (doing work without any desire for the fruit).
What is Karmayoga?
Karmayoga = “karma (duty) + yoga (attachment to the soul)”
It is the path in which a person performs his duty,
but without expecting or coveting the fruit,
and by dedicating the work to God.
Importance of Karmayoga in Gita
Principle of Disinterested Action
“Karmanyewadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana” (Gita 2.47)
“You have the right only to do work, not to the fruit.”
It means:
Do work, but do not worry about the fruit. One should not be tied to work rather than the fruit.
Karmayoga = Path to Salvation
According to Gita, not only renunciation or austerity, but also work done with true spirit can give one liberation (salvation).
“Yogaḥ karmasu kaushalam” (Gita 2.50)
“Skill in work is yoga.”
Karmayoga: A Means of Purification of the Soul
When a person performs his duties without any selfish motive, his ego vanishes, and he gradually starts connecting with the soul.
The most suitable path for the householder
Karmayoga is especially suitable for the householder’s life.
Not everyone can take sanyaas,
Nor can worship alone purify the soul.
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That is why the Gita says:
“While performing your duty, give up attachment from the mind.”
Karmayoga = Service
When we perform our work as “service”—whether it is household work, a job, or social service—that work becomes devotion.
Conclusion:
Karmayoga is the heart of the Gita. It teaches us:
Perform your duties with full devotion
Give up worry about the results
Offer your work to God
Then life becomes a yoga—a path of self-control, service, and peace.
What is “Nishkam Karma”
“Nishkam Karma” means – such work which is done without any selfishness, greed or expectation of reward.
This is a major and very deep principle of Bhagavad Gita, which Shri Krishna explained to Arjun in the form of a sermon on the battlefield.
Definition of Nishkam Karma:
“Nishkam” = Ni + Kaam
Means in which there is no ‘kamana’, that is, no selfishness or desire for reward.
“Karma” = work or duty
So, Nishkam Karma = such work which is done wholeheartedly, considering it as a duty, without any greed or expectation of reward.
Understand with an example:
Nishkam Karma: A teacher is teaching children because it is his duty, he wants to make the future of the children better – not for reward or respect.
Sakaam Karma: The same teacher is teaching children because he is in the greed of promotion, praise or money.
Nishkam Karma in Gita
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Shloka (Gita 2.47)
“Karmanyewadhikaraste ma Phaleshu kadachana.”
“You have the right only to do your duty, never to the fruit.”
Lord Krishna tells Arjuna to perform his duty, but not to worry about the fruit.
Benefits of Disinterested Action:
1. Peace of mind:
When we stop worrying about the fruit, worries, tensions and fears also disappear.
2. Loss of Ego:
When we offer our actions to God, and do not ask anything from him, our ego diminishes and humility comes.
3. Path to salvation:
Disinterested action purifies the soul and leads to freedom from bondage.
4. Freedom from the bondage of karma:
Sakaam (greedy) actions lead to rebirth, while Disinterested Action cuts the bondage of the fruit of karma.
Disinterested Action = Karma + Yoga + Bhakti
Do action → but do not have attachment
Give up the expectation of the fruit → yet do not be negligent in action
Offer your action to God → then it becomes “Yoga” Conclusion:
Nishkam Karma means:
Do your duty, give up worry about the result, and dedicate the action to God.
This is the soul of Karma Yoga, and the most beautiful message of the Gita.
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