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Asrav
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Question : How can we be bound by karma even if we do not commit sins ?
Answer : Dharma and sin can come about in three ways. We ourselves carrying out dharma; making others carry out dharma; and admiring, and approving of those who carry out dharma. By thus carrying out dharma, getting it carried out and by approving of dharma, we can destroy karmas. In the same manner, committing sins, getting sins committed by others and countenancing the sins committed by others constitute a cause for the bondage of karma. Not taking a vow or having a temptation or desire to commit sin causes the bondage of karma.
Why does not man take a vow not to commit sins ? If one does not want to commit a sin, then why should he hesi cate to take a vow to that effect? If we closely examine the deeper aspects of the minds and hearts of people who do not take vows, we find that they have a desire to commit sins. The mind thinks: “Though I will not commit this sin, sometimes, by force of circumstances, I may have to commit it. I may commit such a sin. If I take a vow, I will have to face a serious difficulty. So, let it be as it is; let me not take any vow".
In this manner, in a secret corner of the mind, there is an inclination to commit sins. As long as you do not make a strong determination that in your life there will be no need to commit sins, and do not take a vow not to commit sins, the possibility of your committing sins will be there. Even the desire to commit sins is a sin. This is a sin though you may not commit a sin. So, unnecessarily on account of the absence of vowlessness, the sinful karmas always keep binding your soul. This kind of bondage of karmas can end only when you discard sins with determination, and by a vow. Sins should be discarded by means of an austere vow.
For instance, though there is no possibility of your committing the sins of hunting, plundering others, eating meat etc. the bondage of karma relating to those sins ends only when you take a vow not to commit them. In this manner, we should by
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