________________
DISCOURSE XXV
KARMAS: GOOD AND EVIL
Gentlemen,
This universe is the comixture of six substances. Out of them no substance can transform itself into the other as in that case the total number of substances would be reduced to five, then to four, then to three, then to two and finally to one. In that case the division viz. sentient and non-sentient would also become void. But the fact is, the substances do not change they remain six only in number.
KARMAS AFFECT THE SOUL
Soul under no circumstances or conditions can assume the nature of matter and the matter also under no circumstances or conditions assumes the nature of Soul. Still however, material Karmic molecules do affect the nature of Soul and that is why in this world the Souls have different stages and conditions.
When a horse and a donkey stay together; none of them would change itself into the other but their respective natures do affect each, other. The farmers use to say "Black and white oxen do not totally change themselves but they exchange their habits or nature".
You might argue, “If Karmas affect the Soul, then whether the Soul affects the Karmas or not?” To this we reply, “Certain Soul does affect the Karmas. When the Soul having grasped the Karmic inolecules tranform them into actual Karmas then these Karmas are-classified and their nature is determined. This is due to the influence of Soul. If Soul wills, it would bring about big changes in nature and tendencies of Karmas-This is nothing but Soul's influence over the Karmas".
CONSIDERATION OF GOOD AND EVIL KARMAS
Really speaking, all the Karmas can be considered as evil as they put up a great barrier in the path of emancipation of Soul, but practically speaking that is good which the majority of the
271
