85. Karma, Akarma and Vikarma

Krishna says, “Even the wise are confused here as to what is karma (action) and what is akarma (inaction)? Now, I shall explain to you the secret of karma, by knowing which, you will be liberated from bondage (4.16). Nature of karma (right and prescribed) is very difficult to comprehend. You must also understand the nature of vikarma (forbidden action or sin) and of akarma (4.17). Those who see karma in akarma and akarma in karma are truly wise amongst men. Though performing all kinds of actions, they are yogis and masters of all their actions” (4.18).

A contemplative person once observed an animal escaping into a forest. Moments later, a butcher comes by and asks him if he has seen the animal. The person is on the horns of a dilemma, as the truth would result in the death of the animal while uttering a lie is immoral. If we sum up all forbidden actions of all cultures and religions, living would be impossible. Hence, Krishna indicates that these issues are intricate and even the wise get confused.

Similarly, a seed coat is expected to perform the karma of protecting the embryo and in the right circumstances, it is also required to let the sprout come out by destroying itself. Though it looks natural to us, it’s confusing from the seed coat’s point of view - once to do karma of protection and later not to. This implies that the nature of karma keeps changing with time and this fact needs to be kept in mind while understanding karma, akarma and vikarma.

Life presents us with many difficult situations that have no easy answers. The vikarma (sin) create fear and confusion in us and binds us in karma-bandhan. When we transcend from karta to sakshi; realise that gunas are the real karta for all karmas; remain ever content; drop the desire for fruits of action and live with choiceless awareness - does clarity descend.