Karm Vikarm Aur Akarm

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided excerpt from "Karm Vikarm aur Akarm" by Vinoba Bhave, based on the catalog link and the text itself:

Book Title: Karm Vikarm aur Akarm (Karma, Vikarma, and Akarma) Author: Vinoba Bhave Publisher: Z_Jinvani_Karmsiddhant_Visheshank_003842.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229887/229887/

Summary of the Excerpt (Page 1):

This excerpt from Vinoba Bhave's work delves into the nuances of Karma (action) and the path to achieving Nishkama Karma (desireless action), which is central to spiritual progress according to Jain and other Indian philosophical traditions.

The core argument presented is that true Nishkama Karma is unattainable if one deviates from their Swadharma (one's own duty or inherent nature). Bhave uses the analogy of a trader. A trader's Swadharma is to sell indigenous goods. If this trader abandons this and instead sells foreign goods, their primary motivation becomes maximizing profit. In such a scenario, the principle of Nishkama (desirelessness) cannot possibly be present. Therefore, following one's Swadharma is crucial for making actions desireless.

However, Bhave clarifies that performing Swadharma alone is not sufficient; it can also be performed with desire (Sakama). He illustrates this with the concept of Ahimsa (non-violence). Someone might outwardly practice Ahimsa, but if their mind remains violent, they are not truly practicing Ahimsa. Violence is fundamentally a mental state. Merely refraining from outward violent actions doesn't purify the mind. Similarly, dropping a sword doesn't automatically make a person non-violent.

The same logic applies to Swadharma. Avoiding "Para Dharma" (duties of others or external duties) is merely the beginning of achieving Nishkama. It doesn't guarantee reaching the ultimate goal. Nishkama is a state of the mind. Simply performing Swadharma is like an oil lamp without the flame; it's not enough. To ignite the flame (the true spirit of Nishkama), mental purification is essential. This involves introspection and cleansing the mind of "mala" (impurities, like clutter or waste).

The excerpt then references the Bhagavad Gita, where the word "Karma" is used in the sense of "Swadharma." While daily activities like eating and sleeping are actions, the Gita's "Karma" refers specifically to the performance of one's own duties. To achieve Nishkama through this Swadharma, another vital element is required: conquering Kama (desire) and Krodha (anger).

Ultimately, Nishkama can only be attained when the mind becomes as pure and serene as the waters of the Ganga. The text suggests that any actions undertaken for this kind of mental purification are termed "Vikarma" by the Gita.

In essence, this excerpt emphasizes that genuine desireless action (Nishkama Karma) is a profound state that requires not only adherence to one's intrinsic duties (Swadharma) but also a deep inner purification, the conquering of negative emotions, and a commitment to mental cleansing.