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Law of Karma
suggested that man's sufferings are due to his own wrong actions done in the past.
According to Gandhiji, "Every individual is unique because of his peculiar physical and mental constitution. What an individual now is, is the effect of his own actions, his habits of thinking, feeling, speaking and acting in the past. Man makes himself through all these diverse activities, internal and external. They appear to be insignificant separately, but, taken together, they create the tremendous forces that shape his health, character and his entire destiny.'*25
But, for Gandhi, the moral significance of the Law of Karma appears to be more significant because it is consistent with his moral convictions. The realisation that one's own karmas determine the future nature and status of an individual creates the further realisation that man himself is the maker of his own destiny. Gandhiji thinks that such a realisation will create a sense of responsibility in man.
Moreover, Gandhi asserts, "Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."26
Mahatma Gandhi's belief in the Law of Karma is followed by his firm conviction in rebirth. But, Gandhiji's view differs to some extent with regard to rebirth than that of Hindu thinkers. In Hinduism, rebirth is, more or less, a metaphysical doctrine for explaining life prior to birth and after death. On the other hand, he gives a moral interpretation to this doctrine by emphasising the pragmatic and ethical value of this belief. He believes that one is able to make adjustment with life by believing this doctrine. It enables man to be loving, kind, moral and benevolent even in the midst of strife. Man comes to think that this world is not the end of everything. Evil and suffering experienced in this life are not final. This belief enables man to face this life with strength. As for the doctrine of rebirth. Mahatma Gandhi writes, "I believe in rebirth as much as I believe in the existence of my present body. I, therefore, know that even a little effort is not
wasted."'27
The doctrine of rebirth ensures that even a little effort in this life is not wasted, because it provides repeated opportu
