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Karma, a binding force

CHENNAI: Scriptural teachings serve as a user manual to the individual engaged in a constant effort to cope with the challenges of worldly life. They also reinforce the evanescent quality life to enable humankind to rise above the worldly glitter, and strive for salvation.

In a discourse, Swami Paramarthananda drew attention to the universal law of Karma that is a binding factor on all human beings. This manifests itself as the joys and sorrows one experiences in life as a consequence of one’s past deeds, good and bad. Scriptures also provide methods to deal with the troubles of this life. For instance, worldly solutions are available for problems such as diseases, thirst or hunger in the form of medicines, water and food. Again, the Karma Kanda section of the Vedas suggests ritualistic solutions for the varieties of problems that mankind faces, while also offering methods and skills for diagnosing them.

The Puranas are replete with stories that illustrate yet another method for seeking solutions, when the devout have received direct help from the Lord who intervened in miraculous ways in response to their sincere devotion, faith and prayer. Draupadi, Dhruva and Prahlada, who were caught in unique and sensitive situations, were saved by the exceptional grace of the Lord, which no earthly force could have accomplished.

There is one more effective means to handle the difficulties in life. A devotee is able to view a predicament as a mere situation through a change in one’s mental attitude. This can happen only with God’s grace, when He endows the individual with the power of endurance and patience, thereby initiating an inner change that even when the turn of events that caused the problem remain unaltered, the individual is no longer affected adversely by it.

In the Ramayana, Kousalya experienced untold sorrow at the thought of separation from her beloved son that the cancellation of the coronation of Lord Rama brought in its wake. It was Sumitra’s words of wisdom that brought about a change of perception in Kousalya who did not harbour grief henceforth. What seemed unbearable and problematic was no longer viewed in that angle.

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