247. All Karmas are flawed

 


Krishna says, "One should not abandon sahajam karma (natural deeds) even though all undertakings are inherently marred by blemishes, as fire by smoke" (18.48). Sahajam karma is interpreted as our natural or inborn duty. Another possible interpretation is that they are natural deeds of 'existence'. Whatever may be the interpretation, Krishna concludes that all the karmas are marred by one blemish or another. This implies that no karma is pure.

Krishna uses many words for karma (action) on different occasions like akarma (inaction), vikarma (prohibited actions) and niyat karma (prescribed actions). But he never advises us to perform pure karma as all the karmas are marred by blemishes. For example, our immune system keeps us safe from diseases by killing the invading viruses and bacteria on a daily basis. If killing is taken as impure, then our survival or any karmas performed by us are intrinsically bound to be impure. The same is the case with breathing and consumption of food. 

This understanding helps us in many ways. Firstly, this helps us control our tendency to hate the karma we are doing when we feel that the karmas of others are more noble. This perspective gives us clarity and focus on what we do. Krishna already assured that devotion to swa-karma (own deeds) leads to siddhi (perfection or freedom) (18.45). Secondly, this understanding will help us to be free of cavil or fault finding (9.1).

Guilt and regrets about our past karmas drive us throughout our lives. Similarly, we keep carrying hatred towards others for their karmas which adversely affect our lives. This verse frees us from these regrets and guilt; and helps us overcome hatred by realising that karmas themselves carry blemishes and that there is no need to blame anyone else for these blemishes.


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