Doctrine of Liberation in Indian Religion

Author(s): Shivkumarmuni
Publisher: Munshiram Manoharlal Publisher's Pvt Ltd New Delhi

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THE DOCTRINE OF KARMA AND TRANSMIGRATION
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repeatedly. It may be noted in passing that in this text performance of deeds (karma) dedicated to God is eulogized.
An action done without any attachment to its consequences is called (nişkāmakarma). The text recommends renunciation of motive or attachment to the result of deeds rather than of deeds themselves. This practice is also called 'disciplined activity' (karmayoga). Karmayoga is also defined as equanimity of the mind under all circumstances such as suffering and happiness, loss and gain, victory and defeat. This is called the discipline of equanimity (samatva-yoga),12 The Gitā also insists on the performance of one's own duty (svadharma). This is understood in terms of Brahmanical system of fourfold classification of society (caturvarnya) which is said to be based on deeds and qualities of each class. Although the Gita teaches in so many verses the doctrine of karma and although it recognizes the complex nature of the dynamics of karma, it lays great stress on bhakti or loving devotion to Lord Kṛṣṇa. The grace (prasāda) of God has the power to annul the functioning of the law of karma, for it is declared in this text that even the most sinful attain salvation and are saved through God's grace. Towards the end of the Bhagavadgitä Kṛṣṇa asks Arjuna to take refuge in Him, leaving all dharmas; and promises to liberate him from all his sins. Indeed the idea that God's grace saves the sinners received widespread currency during the medieval period especially among the saint-poets of the bhakti movement. In theistic religions one of the attributes of God is forgiveness; God's grace and forgiveness are largely sought by His devotees; so in Hinduism, in Christianity, in Islam and in Sikhism. In Jainism and Buddhism, however, the law of karma or rewards and punishments, is allowed full play. The power of good is stronger than the power of evil, and the forces of good deeds can overpower the force of sinful deeds. The doer has, however, to undergo the cosequences of his deed irrespective of divine intervention.
Commenting upon the doctrine of karma, one of the most learned modern Hindu scholars, Dr P.V. Kane has made the following observation:
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"There are several features of our present life that can be more satisfactorily explained on the theory of transmigration than on any other. Why do two people who have seen but little of one
Ibid., II, 12-13 & 22-27; IV. 1-9; VII. 19; VIII.6, 15-16; IX.21
Ibid., II.48.