Science Of Karma

This Jain text, "The Science of Karma" by Dada Bhagwan, published by the Dada Bhagwan Foundation, offers a unique and profound perspective on karma, rooted in the philosophy of Akram Vignan (a step-less path to Self-realization). The core message emphasizes that karma is bound by inner intent, not external action.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key themes and teachings:

1. The Essence of Karma Binding:

• Intent is Everything: The fundamental principle is that the inner intention behind an action is what binds karma. Good intentions (aiming to give happiness) bind good karma, and harmful intentions (aiming to hurt others) bind bad karma. External actions, whether they appear good or bad, are merely the "effects" and do not directly bind karma.
• Ego is the Root Cause: The text identifies ego (ahamkara) and the wrong belief of doership ("I am doing it") as the root cause of binding new karma. This ego arises from erroneous identification with the body, name, and relationships.

2. The Nature of Karma:

• Cause and Effect: Karma operates on a principle of cause and effect, much like an echo. What you "say" (your intention and belief) is the cause, and what you "hear" back is the effect.
• Subtle Karma vs. Visible Karma: Visible actions are the "discharge" of past karma (karmaphal), while the actual binding happens at a subtle level through inner intent (bhaav). The subtle karma is the "cause," and the visible action is the "effect."
• Vyavasthit Shakti (Scientific Circumstantial Evidences): The text introduces the concept of Vyavasthit Shakti as the overarching scientific principle that governs the unfolding of karma. Karma is a part of Vyavasthit, but Vyavasthit is not solely karma. It orchestrates the coming together of various circumstances for karma to ripen.

3. The Path to Liberation (Moksha):

• Detachment from Doership: The primary path to liberation is to renounce the belief of being the doer. When one realizes "I am not the doer, and the Soul is separate from all actions," new karma ceases to bind.
• Self-Realization (Atma Gnan): Attaining the knowledge of the Self through a Gnani Purush (Self-Realized Soul) is crucial. This knowledge dissolves the ego and the illusion of doership, thereby stopping the binding of new karma.
• Pratikraman (Divine Apology): This is presented as a powerful tool to neutralize past mistakes and reduce the impact of karma. It involves acknowledging, apologizing for, and resolving not to repeat wrong actions.

4. Understanding Worldly Interactions through Karma:

• Everyone is Faultless: Through the lens of karma, all individuals are seen as faultless instruments playing their part according to their karmic accounts. Conflicts arise from ignorance and the mistaken belief of doership.
• Relationships as Karmic Accounts: Family members and relationships are seen as karmic accounts from past lives. The interactions within these relationships are the unfolding of these accounts.
• Accepting What Happens: Accepting all experiences as the result of past karma, without blame or resentment towards others (who are seen as instruments), is key to breaking the cycle of karma.

5. Key Concepts and Analogies:

• Echo: Actions and intentions are like shouting into a well; the echo is the karmic effect.
• Mango Tree: Karma is like a mango seed that grows into a tree, which bears fruit (mangoes), which contain more seeds, continuing the cycle.
• Battery: Karmas are like batteries that are charged (cause) and then discharged (effect).
• Balance Sheet: Each life is a balance sheet of previous lives' karmas.

6. Misconceptions Debunked:

• Actions vs. Intentions: Clarifies that external actions are not the cause of karma binding, but the inner intention is.
• God as Doer: Challenges the notion of God as the direct doer of karma, instead pointing to impersonal laws and Vyavasthit Shakti.
• Good Deeds Canceling Bad Deeds: Emphasizes that good deeds do not cancel out bad deeds; both must be experienced.
• Taking on Others' Misery: Debunks the idea that one can take on another's suffering, stating that all experiences are personal karmic consequences.

In essence, "The Science of Karma" by Dada Bhagwan provides a practical and scientific framework for understanding the intricate workings of karma, guiding individuals towards self-awareness, detachment from doership, and ultimately, liberation through the realization of the true Self. The emphasis is consistently on internal purity of intent and the recognition that one is not the doer, but rather a witness to the unfolding of karma.