________________
KARMA AND REINCARNATION
he will get eternal damnation, he will be thrown forever into the lake of fire or into a horrible hell. Is this not the most irrational doctrine? Should he not get his chances for correction and improvement? The doctrine of reincarnation is quite rational. It gives ample chances for man's rectification, upheaval and gradual evolution.
3. LAWFUL AND FORBIDDEN ACTIONS
(Vidhi-Nishedha) Actions are of two kinds:1. Lawful (Vidhi). 2. Forbidden or prohibitory (Nishedha).
Lawful actions are the injunctions of the Sastras. They are beneficial to the performer. Satyam vada, Dharmam chara-speak the truth, do virtuous actions." These are lawful actions. They are best calculated to purify the heart of the performer and to prepare his mind for the reception of Brahma Jnana.
Forbidden are those actions which are interdicted by the scriptures, such as: “Do not drink liquor. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not steal, etc.” They are harmful. They hurl the doer down to lower births.
The lawful actions are of four kinds: 1. Nitya Karmas-daily rites. 2. Naimittika Karmas--occasional rites.
207
