The Law of Karma

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The law of karma underpins the process of transmigration of the soul. Karma literally means "action,"but more often refers to the accumulated reactions to activities. Thus we talk of "good karma" and "bad karma,"which are stored reactions that gradually unfold to determine our unique destiny.The self-determination and accountability of theindividual soul rests on its capacity for free choice. This is exercised only in the human form.Whilst in lower species,the atman takes no moral decisions but is instead bound by instinct.Therefore, although all species of life are subject to thereactions of past activities,such karma is generated only while in the human form.Human life alone is a life of responsibility.

 

The Bhagavad-gita categorises karma,listing three kinds of human actions:(1) Karma: those which elevate,(2) Vikarma: those which degrade and (3) Akarma: those which create neither good norbad reactions and thus lead to liberation.Common Misunderstandings:Hindus don't eat meat because they think that they will then be reborn as an animal.

 

This statement suggests that Hindus performpious activities largely out of fear and selfishness.It neglects the finer sentiments behind vegetarianism,such as empathy for fellow living beings.

 

A good dog may become a human in the next life, whereas a bad dog may become a bird or insect.

 

The soul passing through lowerspecies doesn't create any new karma. He only works off the karmic reactions generated whilst in the human form and graduallyrises towards another human birth.

 

Hindus blame suffering on karma.Not usually. Blame and responsibility are different.Karma entails understanding that we are all ultimately responsible for our own lives.Belief in karma does not automatically create indifference to the suffering of ourselves or others (as the above statement may imply), but underpins sentiments of"helping others to help themselves".