140. What is Karma



'What is karma' is Arjun's next question which is in response to Krishna's assurance that one realises akhilam-karma (all aspects of karma, akarma and vikarma) when one strives for liberation by taking refuge in HIM (7.29). To this Krishna replies, "Detachment or sacrifice of cosmic energy capable of creation (bhuta-bhava-udbhava-karah visarga) is called karma" (8.3). This is a difficult explanation to comprehend and the interpretations complicate the issue rather than giving clarity. Usual interpretations of karma suggest it to be noble deeds, creation or yagna, but all of them fail to satisfy what Krishna means.

While Krishna's reply regarding 'karma' is at the level of 'being', we interpret it at 'doing' level. That's why our understanding that 'what we do' is 'karma' falls short, as different people keep doing different things at different times, whereas any definition should be valid for every point in time -be it past when humans didn't exist, present or even future; and for every entity. 

Krishna used the word 'visarga' which is detachment or sacrifice. Karma is the detachment or diversion of the energy which is capable of creation. The closest example is the high voltage transmission line carrying large quantities of electricity (energy). When a part of it is diverted, that diversion is 'karma' and karma-phal is energising the numerous electrical appliances. 

If this analogy is applied to our existence, 'karma' is drawing from infinite cosmic energy. Firstly, who draws the energy? Like the voltage difference, the difference in the three gunas held by various entities leads to the drawing of the energy through the cable of shraddha. While this happens automatically, out of delusion we attach ourselves to the process of 'visarga' and presume to be karta which we are not. Secondly, once energy is drawn, none have any control over its consequences or karma-phal (2.47).

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