Nature and Types of Karma - Actions

After establishing the differences between the body and the atma or soul, Lord Krishna embarks on  describing the nature and types of action to Arjuna who is still confused and vacillating. Man's failures and disappointments are mainly because of his inner ailments.It is his past karma that comes in his way of success and defeat. This is also the cause for non attainment of Jnana or knowledge.How is it possible to overcome this past karma? Krishna tells Arjuna that it is through performing karma or action.Like a diamond that can cut a diamond or a thorn that can remove another thorn, it is through proper action or karma that the inner impurities can be removed. Krishna describes to Arjuna the path of action and before that enumerates the nature and various types of action that lead one to Jnana

      Karma or action is sine qua non in this world. krishna tells Arjuna. None can live in this world without action even for a second.What is obtainable, namely Jnana, is called 'sadhya' Any action leading to it is called 'sadhana.' There are many types of karma. Worldly duties or LAUKIKA KARMA includes actions to keep good health, looking after the family and children. If the body is not well maintained you cannot concentrate on the atma. Spiritual duties or VAIDIKA KARMA elevates the level of Self by performing japa and tapa or penance. Both these types of action are mandatory to every one and should correspond to the clan and race to which he belongs. In no case should he take up the duties that belong to the other race and its customs and habits. Bodily actions are called KAYIKA KARMA. Mental actions are called MANASIKA KARMA and those with speech VACHIKA KARMA. There are others acts that we do daily and they constitute NITHYA KARMA. Regular bath, Japa, chanting the maha mantra Gayathri and worship of the chosen deity belong to this group. Not chanting the Gayathri mantra is considered a great sin. These daily duties purify our inner being and pave the way for Jnana.Occasional and special karma or actions during ceremonies and festivals form NAIMITTHIKA KARMA when we offer alms to brahmins and do ceremonies to our dead ancestors or pitrus

      Krishna continues and describes to Arjuna certain types of Karma that are prohibited. They are called NISHIDDHA KARMA. Speaking untruth,debauchery,misappropriation,drunkenness, and black magic and others are in this group. KAMYA KARMA is done for the fulfilment of desires but it also brings sorrow in its train. King Dasaratha had four children after performing the "Puthra kameshti yaga" but died through separation from his son Srirama!.

      Two most significant but diverse pathways to jnana and mukti or salvation are(1) PRAVRUTTHI MARGA and (2)NIVRUTTHI MARGA. The first one is for mundane and heavenly pleasures. The second one is for emancipation. Pravrutthi Marga is rather difficult as strict rules and religious rituals have to be followed. It is like walking on a sharp razor's edge.Its results are limited and small.. In Nivrutthi Marga action is for god's sake. There is no expectation of any reward. According to the Upanishads this path is better. It is also called " NISHKAMA KARMA and " ANASAKTHI YOGA. This karma absolves the person from all irregularities and releases him from this earthly bondage. Madhusudana Saraswathi compares Nivrutthi Marga to a mango seed. Growing into  a huge tree, it provides not only the fruit but the twigs to clean our teeth, shelter, and leaves for festoons for auspicious occasions. A person who does Nishkama Karma not only reforms himself but others also. Krishna declares that one who follows Pravrutthi Marga is a fool as the gains are insignificant. It is always commendable to follow Nivrutthi Marga and gain unlimited benefits.

      Krishna emphasizes that doing Karma is our duty! Rewarding the Karma is the duty of God. Remaining lazy and expecting God to give the result is also stupid. All results of our acion depend on our past deeds god or bad. Nivrutthi Marga destroys both and makes salvation possible. Pravrutthi Marga is an iron chain while Nivrutthi Marga is a golden chain. Both should be destroyed for Mukthi or emancipation! Thus Krishna directs Arjuna to act without fear or favor and do hiis duty as a kshatriya in destroying evil!