Karma

Karma may be the second most important word after Dharma in hinduism .

Karma again has many meanings, but to put it simply , means deeds acts , works , or action , and the accumulated merits / demerits that accumulate as a result of such actions .

Karma is a fundamental concept in Hinduism , Buddhism etc . Closely linked to Karma is the belief in reincarnation , where all souls go through of thousands of rebirths into various living things . The highest birth is human , which gives one the opputunity and intelligence to make spiritual progress and release oneself from the cycle that binds and attain eternal freedom . Every act produces an effect which leaves behind a psychic residue called karman which binds the soul or atman to the world of existence .

The law of Karma governs the world where every action has its effect . In a way Karma assumes even more importance in Buddhism, since Buddhism is a bit agnostic in its approach ( especially the Hinayana form ) and is not too preoccupied with God . Karma and Dharma form the foundations of Buddhism.

The concept of conditioned rebirth also implies the eternity of the cosmic process , every existence being conditioned by a multitude of prior thoughts and acts done either in the present or in past births , whre there is no first beginning or definite end to the world , but a series of cosmic cycles . Every thing and every being is interdependent , each having its own place in the scheme of things . This knowledge also prevents the seperation between humans and animals , and humans and nature , which is unfortunately the case in other religions , thus leading to exploitation and cruelty .

A persons karma is a subtle substance that belongs to him yet which may be detached from him, as can fame , beauty etc . Just as the conduct of an individual is determined by his present and previous acts , so too does collective karma of all beings influence the type and quality of the world we live in , and will further condition the worlds to follow .

Karma should however not be confused with the western doctrine of divine retribution by an angry god for evil done by us ; since the effects of Karma are not decided by a deity but are immanent in all cosmic phenomena and processes and present in every deed .
One should not look upon the law of karma as fatalistic , since although ones present state is determined by past actions , ones future state is determined by present actions over which we have control .

Types of Karma - Sanchita , Prarabdha , and Agami .

Sanchita Karma is one's accumulated baggage of Karma .
Sanchita Karma can be destroyed through Jnana , or by bhakti leading to divine grace .

Prarabdha Karma is that portion of Sanchita Karma that has begun to bear fruit in the present life .
One cannot prevent the effects of Prarabdha karma .

Agami karma is the Karma that we are creating now , which is under our control , which will have its effect on future lives .

God is the Karmadhyaksha , the Supervisor of the Natural Laws of Karma .

Yoga , Bhakti , Karma , and Jnana

Yoga means " to harness " . Also sometimes described as " union" . Yoga as per a narrow definition , is one of the six systems of philosophy mentioned earlier , but it also has a greater scope , with a broader definition . Yoga , very broadly is often taken to mean all techniques intended "to harness " and discipline energies , in order to perfect our physical and mental powers , the ultimate goal being in liberation , by uniting oneself with the universal being .
The Patanjali Yoga Sutras ( 2nd century BC) deal with this system of philosophy.
The eigth steps of yogic practice are
1. Yama - ( restraint ) abstention from vice , unchastity , falsehood , theft , , greed etc .
2. Niyama ( discipline) - cultivation of virtues , deep study of the scriptures etc .
3.Asana ( posture) - adoption of the right physical posture.
4.Pranayama ( breath control ) deep breathing exercises to be taught by a qualifed teacher .
5. Pratyahara ( withdrawal of the senses ) detaching oneself from external stimuli
6. Dharana ( concentration ) on a specific object of contemplation .
7. Dhyana ( meditation ) single pointed focus on a particular object / thought.
8. Samadhi ( total absorption ) merging with the universal spirit/ consciousness.

Since Yoga is not easy ,and not for everyone , Vedanta , which is the last of the six systems of philosophy , reccomends Bhakti and Karma for ordinary individuals , and Jnana for only those who can understand it .

The three paths , mentioned earlier in the cardinal principles ,and described in the Vedanta , namely
Bhakti ( devotion ) , Karma( duty ) , and Jnana ( knowledge )
are , as per a broader definition of Yoga , also referred to as
Bhakti Yoga ( spiritual progress through intense devotion to a personified chosen deity ),
Karma Yoga ( spiritual progress through performance of duty , dharma , right conduct ,right action , good works ,discipline ,ethics etc )
and Jnana Yoga ( spiritual progress through deep study and knowledge of the sacred texts )
There are other forms of Yoga , such as
Raja Yoga (control of the mind by the intellect ,through meditation ) ,
Hatha Yoga ( development of energies through physical exercise ) ,
Kundalini Yoga , ( a method of reintegration, by awakening the cosmic energy of unlimited potential within oneself ,(kundalini shakti))
etc .
Buddhism , Zen Buddhism , some aspects of the Tao and Confucious principles , Jain spiritual practice , are all forms of Yoga as per the broader definition of Yoga .