Miscellaneous - Religion   

Working of Karma

CHENNAI : The joys and sorrows that an individual faces are the result of the Karma that was responsible for this birth. According to the scriptures the Karma that has brought about this birth (Prarabdha) can be worked out only by undergoing its result. Such a deterministic decree is bound to cause consternation especially in times of crisis in life and is bound to make one a fatalist as it does not leave room for alleviating one's condition. But, the objective of the scriptures is not to make one a pessimist. This can be interpreted as a deterrent to committing misdeeds and taking responsibility for one's actions.

In his discourse, Sri B.Sundar Kumar said when one perused the travails faced by characters like Nala, Rama and the Pandavas it enabled the person to accept his sorrows in the proper perspective. Lord Krishna sought the Pandavas in the forest and offered solace to them because of their devotion to Him. Under the guidance of Yudhishthira they adhered to Dharma though the elder's pacifism was a bone of contention between him and his brothers, especially Bhima, who would have preferred to settle his score with Duryodana in combat to avenge the injustice meted out to them. Listening to such scriptural accounts acts as a shock absorber for one can take heart from the manner Lord Krishna graced the Pandavas that He would similarly help His devotees during their difficulties.

The working of Karma is unfailing and God dispenses according to one's due. But, one must remember that His justice is always tempered by mercy for He is compassionate. In the case of His devotees who repose total faith in Him, even though He cannot revoke their Karma, He mitigates its intensity by lending His shoulder for His devotee to lean upon. This also must quell the doubt that is often raised as to why good people suffer in life. One must remember that the experiences of every individual are unique, given to him— as a result of his Karma— to evolve spiritually by learning lessons from them. Saints have waxed eloquent in their hymns that the Lord is the unfailing companion in the arduous journey of life, which is beset with difficulties.

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