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Law of Kurma
universality or harmony of all different religions.")
Now, under this influence and background, we may take up his view about the Law of Karma.
Meaning of the Law of Karma
The word “Karma' is derived from the Sanskrit word Kr, that is, to do. All actions are Karma in this sense. Technically, this word also means the effects of actions. Metaphysically, it means the effects of which our past actions were the causes. Now, what we ordinarily mean by 'Law' may be described as the second name for principle. In other words, the principle which determines the criteria of Karma, is called the Law of Karma.
The philosophy of Swami Vivekananda has been greatly influenced by Vedānta Philosophy. Hence, Sānkara, in his Advaita Vedānta divides Karma into many classes such as (a) Nitya Karma, (b) Kāmya Karma and (c) Nisidha Karma. Actions, which do not bind a man and which are performed only in the sense of duty, are called Nitya Karina, Vedānta insists on Nitya Karma. Actions, which are performed with the expectation of some fruits are called Kāmya Karma. These are selfish actions. Hence, these actions are concerned with our future life. Prohibited actions are called Nisidha Karma. As these actions produce its tendencies, these are associated with our future life.
According to the ancient Indian Philosophy, nothing is destroyed ultimately. Kapil also mentions the same thing in his "Sānkhya Tattva Kaumudi”. Things are changed into manifold forms only. Fire is changed into ashes. At the same time, non-existent cannot become existent. That is to say, something cannot come out of nothing. To quote from Bhagavad Gita :
nă sato vidyate bhāvo nā bhāvo vidyate satah.”
Likewise, human being's past Karmas are also not destroyed. Nor do they spring up from a void. Actions are accumulated in some form or other. The fruits of some of
