Doctrine Of Karma

Here's a comprehensive summary of Swami Abhedananda's "Doctrine of Karma," based on the provided text:

Overall Thesis: The book "Doctrine of Karma" by Swami Abhedananda argues that the law of Karma, understood as the universal principle of cause and effect, is the fundamental explanation for all phenomena in the universe, including human experience, morality, and the apparent inequalities of life. It emphasizes personal responsibility, the inherent justice of nature, and the path to liberation through understanding and aligning oneself with this law.

Key Concepts and Chapters:

• Chapter I: Law of Causation

  • Universal Chain of Cause and Effect: The core idea is that every event, no matter how small or large, has a definite cause. Nothing happens by chance; what appears accidental is simply the result of causes we may not yet understand.
  • Interconnectedness: Events are linked in an endless chain where an effect of one event becomes the cause of another, demonstrating the interconnectedness of all things. The example of the Archduke's assassination leading to World War I illustrates this far-reaching impact.
  • Karma as Cause and Effect: The Sanskrit word "Karma" encompasses both the action (cause) and its result (effect).
  • No Room for Chance: The law of Karma negates the idea of chance or accident, attributing them to ignorance of underlying causes.
  • Good, Evil, and Mixed: The text suggests that no action is absolutely good or evil; actions are colored by their consequences and demerits.

• Chapter II: Law of Action and Reaction

  • Like Produces Like: This chapter reinforces the principle that every action is followed by a reaction of similar nature. This applies equally to mental and physical activities.
  • Character Formation: An individual's character is the cumulative result of past mental actions (Karmas).
  • Personal Responsibility: Individuals are solely responsible for their joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain. Neither God nor external forces are to blame.
  • Rejection of Predestination and Grace: The doctrine of Karma refutes the concept of predestination and divine grace as arbitrary and unjust. Instead, it posits that individuals are free agents who create their own destiny through their actions.
  • God's Impartiality: God does not reward the virtuous or punish the wicked; these are simply the natural reactions of one's own actions.

• Chapter III: Law of Compensation

  • Balance in Nature: This law emphasizes that there is an inherent balance between a cause and its effect, an antecedent and a consequence. Nature operates for perfect balance, not profit or loss.
  • Equal Exchange: Similar to physical laws (like action and reaction), there's an equal exchange in the moral, intellectual, and mental realms. There's no bargaining with nature.
  • Justice Across Lives: The law of compensation operates across lifetimes, including pre-existence and reincarnation, ensuring justice and balance over the soul's eternal journey. The concept of compensation covers the entire chain of individual lives.

• Chapter IV: Law of Retribution

  • Reward and Punishment: Every good act brings its reward, and every wrong act brings its punishment, first internally in the soul and then externally in circumstances.
  • Inner vs. Outer Effects: The law of retribution manifests in the soul before external changes occur.
  • Virtue is Inherent: Virtue, wisdom, truth, and love are divine qualities that inherently bring good, and one doesn't "pay a penalty" for practicing them.
  • Hindu vs. Buddhist Interpretation: The text differentiates between the Hindu (Vedantic) view, which acknowledges a permanent soul entity as the doer, and the Buddhist view, which denies a permanent soul and sees "Karma" as modes of action that constitute personality.
  • Types of Karma: Introduces classifications of Karma: Sanchita (stored karma), Prarabdha (karma that has begun to fructify), Kriyamana (karma being created now), and Agami (future karma).
  • Explaining Good and Evil: The doctrine of Karma is presented as the only rational explanation for the existence of good and evil, reconciling apparent injustices in life and offering solace. It doesn't predestine but shows a way out of suffering through good deeds.

• Chapter V: Philosophy of Karma (Karma Yoga)

  • Karma Yoga as a Path: This chapter introduces Karma Yoga, the path of "skill in work," as one of the ways to realize Truth, alongside paths of love, wisdom, and meditation.
  • Dexterity in Work: Karma Yoga emphasizes performing actions with skill and detachment.
  • Seeing Beyond Action: The key to Karma Yoga is to see the unchanging, motionless Self (Atman) amidst constant activity.
  • Five Essential Conditions for Work: The text outlines five conditions necessary for any work: the body, the sense of ego as the doer, the instruments (senses, mind), the motive, and the environment.
  • Transcending Activity: By realizing the Atman, the unchanging Knower, one can perform actions without being bound by their results, leading to perfection and freedom.
  • The Knower (Atman): The Atman is the true Self, distinct from the body, mind, and senses, and is beyond the influence of time, space, and causation. Identification with the changeable conditions of mind and body creates bondage.
  • Unity of Existence: True knowledge leads to the realization of oneness with the universe and the ultimate Energy, dispelling selfishness and ignorance.

• Chapter VI: Secret of Karma

  • Life as a Drama: The world is depicted as a stage where each soul plays a role, driven by latent powers within.
  • Tamas and Rajas: Introduces Tamas (dormant state) and Rajas (active state of mind/desire) as stages of evolution.
  • Three States of Action: Actions have three states: desire, outward action, and impression (Samskara).
  • Inner Nature Drives Action: Individuals are impelled by their inner nature and motives, which often stem from selfishness.
  • Working for Work's Sake: The ideal is to work without attachment to the fruits of labor, recognizing this as a way to pay off debts to the universe and transcend selfishness. This includes fulfilling duties to society, parents, teachers, and the higher Self.
  • Universal Energy: All forces used by individuals belong to the universe, not to the individual self. Recognizing this leads to detachment.

• Chapter VII: Duty or Motive in Karma

  • The Subjective Nature of Duty: Duty is presented as a subjective feeling of obligation that arises from one's inner self and environment, creating bondage.
  • Unselfishness as Sole Duty: The highest duty is identified as unselfishness, transcending narrow selves and moving towards universal love. Actions that lead towards unselfishness, elevate character, and bring freedom are good.
  • Love Transcends Duty: True love for all living beings leads to freedom and liberation from the sense of duty. Love for the Divine is the ultimate motive, transforming work into worship.
  • Realization of Oneness: The ultimate goal is the realization of oneness with Divinity, which brings fulfillment, peace, and freedom from the law of Karma.

• Appendices:

  • Appendix A: Delusion: Explains delusion as relative reality, not non-existence, akin to a dream. True reality (Truth) is the unchanging background behind appearances. Delusion is false knowledge stemming from not realizing one's true, eternal Self.
  • Appendix B: Heart and Mind: Differentiates between "heart" (feeling/mind substance) and the mind. Impressions (Samskaras) are causes of future desires and habits. Purification of the heart involves removing these impressions through discrimination, not killing desires.

Conclusion: Swami Abhedananda's "Doctrine of Karma" presents a comprehensive philosophical framework that emphasizes personal responsibility, the intricate workings of cause and effect, and the ultimate possibility of spiritual freedom. By understanding and living in accordance with the laws of Karma, individuals can overcome suffering, attain self-realization, and achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The book offers a rational and ethical system that explains the complexities of existence and provides a path towards a meaningful and purposeful life.