Samkhya Yoga Part 10 - Karma and Karmaphala

Bhagawad Gita: Chapter 2

What is Karma and Karmaphala

Vyavasaayikalmika Budhi (Definitive Intellect)
The previous pages talked about the importance of a balanced mind. To achieve this state of mind, the intellect must be resolute or definitive. How can it be achieved? It is by a  single focused intellect. If the intellect is focused on a single object, that intellect becomes resolute or definitive. What is that single thing to be focused upon? If we focus on anything in this world, that may lead to many other things. So single focusness is not possible in this way. But if we focus on the ultimate cause (Brahma), our intellect becomes single focused, because the ultimate cause of universe is only one. This way of thinking does not lead to many other things.

What is the thinking about the ultimate cause? To understand this, one has to know about the supreme or absolute cause of the universe. The understanding of the singular object or reality helps to become single focused. Whatever is seen in this world as different things are just   names and forms on the single object, that is Brahma. This kind of single focused intellect is called a resolute or definitive intellect. Only that kind of intellect can help in achieving a balanced mind. So, in totality, 'thatwa bodha' is very much necessary.

Those who are not able to imagine on the single object (Brahma), thinks that there are many different things and there are lot of goals to achieve in this world. They imagine wealth, power, position and fame as to be attained. If any of them is achieved they run after other things. If a thing cannot be achieved then they become desperate for the loss. Even above all these things they think there are still lots of things that to be achieved in other worlds like in heavens. What all are achieved there will not be any stop. They cannot become single focused and so they become addicted to desperation, discontentment, doubtfulness, worry etc. This is the intellect that is many focused with various paths and they are inumerous.

Let us conclude like this: It is very difficult to achieve a balanced mind. It can be achieved only with a resolute intellect. So, learn to do all the karma in life as swadharma by focusing the intellect in the tathwa bodha and having a balanced mind. An intellect which focuses on only one object finds extraordinary happiness (bliss) and everlasting peace.

Karma and Karmaphala

All karmas and its karma phalas (results) are coming within the three gunas, satwa-rajas-thamo gunas. The whole universe and its inumerous matter are formed because of the prana spandana or energy vibration. The spandana happens by the mixing up of the three gunas. So all the vibrations or karmas are with gunas. All the karmas and its phalas or results are coming within the three gunas. But the
absolute cause or Brahma is beyond these gunas. Those who aim at realization of truth or everlasting peace should search for the truth beyond these gunas or qualities.

The Truth: That absolute truth is singular experience. In that, there is not a feeling of duality. There lies the essence of non-dualism. In the whole universe there is only one object of existence, that is consciousness or Brahma. Whatever is seen here, is just an illusion. Nothing is formed from the non-dual Brahma. The various things or substances in the universe are seen as formed , but nothing is formed in reality. If we inquire about the truth of existence only consciousness can be found out. This is the ultimate truth that the ancient Rishis found out with their direct experience. Those who fix their intellect in this singular truth can attain a definitive intellect. Others wander after indefinite truths. Those who discard the indefinite experience and enjoy the definitive truth can realize the absolute Brahma. Those who do not wish for worldly pleasures can enjoy the supreme bliss or ananda.

Consequential Karma:

Krishna tells Arjuna that he can only perform his  karma, but he cannot expect a specific result. Rather, no one have any control over the result. Do not perform karma by keeping an emotional attachment to the results of karma (karma phala). The attachment to the results creates vasanas that results in new births. Vasana means impression that passes to the subtle mind or subtle body which decides new births. Krishna emphasizes to engage in life without the feeling of doer-ship or enjoyer-ship. Thus, when doing karmas without attaching to the karma phala or results, will weaken the existing vasanas and do not produce new vasanas as well.

I want to do certain karma and enjoy its phala. This is raagam or liking. I want to avoid certain karma and I don't want to be affected by its phala. This is dwesham or aversion. These may lead to strong desire and anger. This causes karma and phala to repeat. This results in rebirths. In this way, attaching to karma and karma phala makes one to  experience its consequences. This is the consequential karma.

But at the same time no one can spend life by not doing his duties. Inaction creates so many other problems. These are the four noble things: do one's own karma, do not attached to karma phala, do not bear consequences of karma and do not be attached to inaction.