Question 25. Can the theory of Kama stand the test of reason? Can we not say that this theory has retarded the progress of the Hindu society?
The theory of Karma is just an extension of the well known maxim: 'As you sow, so you reap', to the inner world of moral values. If there is an effect, there must be a cause for it. If the experiences of this life good or bad cannot be traced to tangible causes of this life, the causes must have existed in a previous life. This is the logic behind the theory of Karma. One is bound to reap the results of one's actions at a future time if not today. This is unavoidable.
Our present life is the result of our past actions. Our future life will be the result of our present actions. This is the gist of the Karma theory. if the theory of Karma and reincarnation is not accepted, it will be difficult to explain logically, our happy or unhappy experiences which apparently have no causes that can be attributed to this life time.
One has to accept that either God is partial or is a heartless tyrant, or that there is no guiding power like God at all and that things take place without any rhyme or reason! This standpoint, of course, is not acceptable to any intelligent being. Hence one has to accept that the theory of Karma offers the most plausible explanation for the various incongruities we come across in life.
If the theory of Karma is comprehended properly, Hindu society will progress faster and not regress as alleged. If our present deterioration is the result of our past neglect and mistakes, we can make our future brighter and better, by putting forth the necessary effort now. This should be our philosophy of life. And, this is a philosophy of hope that places a great emphasis on self effort! That the Hindu society has sometimes blocked its own progress through fatalism is the direct result of perverted understanding of the theory of Karma.
|