________________
DISCOURSE XXXVII
PRACTICE OF RELIGION
Gentlemen,
Words 'Karma' and 'Dharma' in Sanskrit contain only two and a half letters, still there is a vast difference in their meanings as the former degrades and makes the soul wander in worldly wilderness to suffer various miseries whereas the latter elevates the soul, confers ecstacy and grants bliss unrivalled, inexhaustible and fathomless.
In Sanskrit, both these words are similar in spelling except the first letter which changes the entire concept. Study the words Marana (death) Sharana (Shelter) Bhakshana (diet) Rakshana (Protection). Two persons with similar backs but different faces bear different characters. Same is the case with 'Karma' and 'Dharma'.
'Karma' and 'Dharma' are contradictory in nature and characteristics, as both have different aims and ideals, both lead to different paths and different nature. None chooses an object which is contrary to one's nature. If you place sugar before a donkey, it would not accept it as it is contrary to its nature to consume it. A slaughterer would not relish the advice on mercy nor a prostitute the advice of maintaining good moral character.
Karmas intrinsically are like Kauravas and so they all the while follow crooked policy and would not allow the soul to rest, would interfere with the Soul's efforts to practise righteousness and would not allow the soul to follow the path of truth. You come here to listen to the preachings and you are feeling drowsy. When you think of helping the poor you feel reluctant to do so. This is all the trickery played by Karmas. You plan to go for a pilgrimage and you find that your family members are ill, big loss is apprehended in your business or you are detained for some important family project-here also Karmas prevail with their powerful influence.
We have already mentioned that Karmas are very dominating. You heard it many times from us and you feel bit nervous as you think that you are extremely insignificant as compared with gigantic predominance of Karmas. So you might be inclined to
417
