239. Three Types of Karta and Karma



Understanding karta (doer) and karma (action) is one of the most complex issues of life. Bhagavad Gita explores these complexities at various places. Krishna cautions that even the wise are confounded by the subtleties of karma and akarma (inaction or reaction) (4.16). Krishna explains that separation (sacrifice) of cosmic energy capable of creation (bhuta-bhava-udbhava-karo-visargah) is called karma (8.3) which is another complex issue. Niyat karma (prescribed or obligatory action) is also a source of confusion. To address this, Krishna offers a path of maintaining inner balance while performing any karma, wielding the sword of wisdom to cut through doubts (4.41) and the axe of non-attachment to sever deep-rooted attachments (15.3).

After elaborating that karma, karta and knowledge are of three types each based upon gunas, Krishna explains about karma and says, “A niyat karma (obligatory action) free from raag (attachment) and dwesh (aversion), when done without desire for fruits of action is called satvik karma (18.23). Karma that is prompted by longing for satisfaction of desires or performed with ahankaar (egotism) and colossal effort, is declared as rajasik (18.24). Karma which has begun out of delusion, without thought to one’s own ability, and disregarding consequences, loss, and injury to others, is declared as tamasik” (18.25).

Krishna also classifies karta and says, “The karta who is free from attachment and egotism, endowed with enthusiasm and determination, and equipoised in siddhi-asiddhi (success and failure) is called satvik (18.26). The karta who craves the fruits of the action, covetous, cruel, impure, and moved by joy or sorrow is called rajasik (18.27). The karta who is undisciplined, vulgar, stubborn, deceitful, slothful, despondent, and a procrastinator is called tamasik” (18.28).

Depending on the guna that dominates at a given point of time, the nature of both karma and karta changes accordingly.


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