Accumulated Karma

[Guest guest]

Jaya Guru Datta,

 

Here is today's saying:

 

“Every action is a karma - whether it is done in this life or in the past lives.

Some actions yield fruits instantaneously. Eating removes hunger. Some actions

take some time to give fruit. A mango seed planted today will not grow

immediately and bear fruits. It will take several years. There are some karmas

which yield the fruit in subsequent lives. But one thing is certain.

Irrespective of when the karma is performed, one has to enjoy its fruit.

 

If the action performed in a particular life does not bear fruits in the same

life, what will happen to it? Where will it go? It will accumulate. This

accumulated lump of karma is called as 'sanchita karma'(sanchaya = deposit).

Because the human birth comes after several previous births, there will be a

sizeable accumulation of sanchita karma. It is not possible to enjoy (or suffer

as the case may be) the entire sanchita karma in one life. Therefore, the

Almighty sets apart a portion of the sanchita karma for a particular birth. A

being comes to the world along with this part. Along with this, the being will

also have some independence to perform new karmas. That part which comes along

with birth is called as 'Praarabdha Karma'. Unexpectedly winning a lottery,

meeting with an accident are some of the examples of Praarabdha Karma.

 

After taking out the Praarabdha part from the Sanchita Karma, what remains is

called as Aagaami Karma. This part of the karma is responsible for causing

future births.

 

Based on this description, it is generally thought that Praarabdha is inevitable

and should be suffered. It has been likened to an arrow which, once shot from a

bow cannot be taken back. The intention of this example is to show how strong

the Praarabdha Karma is. It does not mean that there is no remedy at all. An

eminent warrior can neutralise the arrow with another arrow and can escape from

being its target. Similarly, with the help of discrimination, steadfastness and

by judiciously observing certain rituals of atonement, one can overcome the

effects of Praarabdha Karma. Sadgurus often show the path to their disciples to

overcome the effects of Praarabdha Karma."

 

Sri Swamiji,

Bhakti Mala, November 1997

http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/bhaktimala/november-Bhaktimala/novyourquestion\

s.html

 

Sri Guru Datta,

Swamiji Says

 

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