Karma: An enigma to be explored
Dr VK Anand
Karma, a Sanskrit word embraces in itself varied concepts, such as action, effect and destiny. Karma in Gita, Bible and Sri Guru Granth Sahib may be described in different manner, but there is an absolute unanimity on its essence,“What you sow is what you reap”, and if the same is described in a scientific way, this will be “to every action there is equal and opposite reaction”.
Are the results of good or bad karma always positive or negative? The mystery has not been scientifically proven as yet. However, the most practicable application of ‘action and reaction’ in the regime of karmas at the national level can be applied to Japan. The country was devastated time and again during the Second World War and because of more than 80 earthquakes (between 684 AD to 2018), but even after such recurring destructions, every time this nation came out with same exemplary dignity and galore. The reason attributed to this ‘wonder’ has not been digged out. But, its analysis in depth will reveal three traits of Japanese people — Punctuality, Patience and Politeness (karmas/actions) — that are responsible for the prosperity of the nation and its people.
Amazing it is that Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Christianity give due significance to karmas but absolutely no empirical research has been done on the subject by any individual or institution. Even the best Indexing services of international standing have no reference on the subject ‘karmas and its fruit’. The reason why the subject remained unexplored in the field of academics is indeed an enigma. The most plausible rationale behind this perhaps can be that no analysis has been done regarding the parameters/inner core of Karma or broadly “What karmas are”? Lord Krishna, in his sermon in Gita, says “You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions”. Surprisingly, the words ‘duty’ and ‘action’ have not been elaborated by any scholar as what they embrace/encompass.
It has been seen/observed that progeny of individuals who are sincere to their work/duty get well settled in life or simply are better off while reverse is the case with people who are shirker.
Undoubtedly, charity does play an important role in deciding the destiny of any individual or institution. A study at the macro level will reveal that even big empires of ultra rich people collapse when they stop charity. Even Indian culture and religion gives due importance to ‘Daan Pun’ (charity). Can’t we attribute the grand success of business tycoons, such as Azim Premji, Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Rattan Tata and many more to their acts of charity.
Based on it, if social scientists or institutions are encouraged to work on attributes, such as honesty, sincerity, truthfulness, helpfulness and dedication (karmas), encouraging and fascinating results are bound to emerge.
The writer is a retired librarian of PU
