Karma is the cause of rebirth; and each birth is, in turn, followed by death. There the cycle of enjoyment and suffering results. Some are happy; some are not happy. So, “as you think, so you become.” Ignorance of the law is no excuse, mind that.
Sant Kirpal Singh
…whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Galatians 6:7)
Each thought, each word and each deed has to be accounted and compensated for in Nature. Every cause has an effect and every action brings about a reaction. Uproot the cause and the effect disappears. This has been done by the Masters who have transcended these laws, but all others are bound by the bonds of Karma, which is the root-cause of physical existence and the clever device of Nature to maintain this existence. The law of Karma sees to it that we are paid an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, in the shape of joy or suffering. It is the goading whip in the hidden hands of Nature.
The mind contracts Karma, puts a covering on the soul and rules the body through the organs and the senses. Although it is the soul that imparts strength to the mind, the latter has assumed sovereignty and is governing the soul instead. Control of the mind, therefore, is the first step to Spirituality. Victory over the mind is victory over the world. Even accomplished Yogis and Mystics who can transcend to high spiritual realms are not left untouched by the hand of Karma.
Saints classify Karmas into three distinct groups, as follows:
Sanchit (stored): Good or bad deeds that stand to our account as earned and contracted in all previous bodies of the order of Creation, counting from the day of the first appearance of life on earth. Alas! Man knows nothing about them or their extent.
Prarabdha (Fate or Destiny): The result and effect of which has brought man into his present body and has to be paid off in this life. The reactions of these Karmas come to us unexpectedly and unperceived and we have no control over them whatsoever. Good or bad, we have to tolerate or bear this Karma laughing or weeping, as it happens to suit us.
Kriyaman (Account of our actions and deeds in the present body): This is distinct from the above mentioned two groups, as here, man is free to do exactly as he pleases within certain limits. Knowingly or unknowingly, deeds committed and coming under this heading bear fruit. The result of some of these we reap before we die and the residue is transferred to the Sanchit storehouse.
Karma is the cause of rebirth, and each birth is in turn followed by death. Thus the cycle of enjoyment and suffering, which are concomitants of birth and death, continues. ‘As you think, so you become’, is an unalterable Law of Nature, owing to which this Universe exists. No amount of integrity or genius can absolve a man so long as there is the slightest trace of Karma. Ignorance of the Law is no excuse, and though there may be some concession or relaxation with man-made laws under special circumstances, there is no such allowance made for this in Nature’s Laws. Prayer, confession and atonement may give temporary mental relief but they cannot overcome Karma. All Karma must be wiped out completely before permanent salvation can be had.
Disturbed by these facts, Man seeks solace in deep pious doctrines, or when he comes to know that both good and bad deeds are fetters–one of gold, the other of iron – he turns to Renunciation. Different faiths promise relief but he soon finds out that this is only temporary.
