140. What is Karma

‘What is karma’ is Arjuna’s next question. This is in response to Krishna’s assurance that one realises akhilam-karma (all aspects of karma, akarma and vikarma) when one strives for salvation by taking refuge in Him (7.29). Krishna replies, “separation (sacrifice) of cosmic energy capable of creation (bhuta-bhava-udbhava-karo-visargah) is called karma” (8.3). This is a difficult explanation to comprehend, and the interpretations complicate the issue rather than providing clarity. Usual interpretations of karma suggest it to be noble deeds, creation or yajna, but all of them fail to satisfy what Krishna means.

While Krishna’s reply regarding ‘karma’ operates at the level of ‘being’, we interpret it at the level of ‘doing’. That’s why our understanding of ‘what we do is karma’ falls short, as different people keep doing different things at different times. On the other hand, 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 energising the numerous electrical appliances is karma-phal.

In this metaphor, ‘karma’ is drawing from cosmic energy capable of creation. It is like drawing or using the energy from body’s energy sources to move hands or legs. Firstly, who draws the energy? Like the voltage difference, the difference in the three gunas held by various entities leads to the drawing of energy. While gunas are responsible for this process, out of delusion we presume ourselves to be karta. Secondly, once energy is drawn, no one has any control over its consequences or karma-phal (2.47).