Theory of Karman in Indian Thought

SR No.: 011109
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Koshelya Walli
Publisher: Bharat Manisha
Publication Year: 1977
Total Pages: 377
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

Page 38

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meaning of Prayaścitta is in a particular form of penance (Tapas) which may have been decided as a means to purification.1
Hārīta says Prayaścitta destroys the accumulated evil (Aśubha) due to Asubha.2
What is the cause of lapse referred to above on the part of man? The general view is that the lapse is caused by nonperformance of what has been enjoined as the right and performance of what has been enjoined as wrong and non-control of the senses. This is the well known view of Yājñavalkya.3
An old Indian Scholar has tried to define 'Sin' as an act of wilful rebellion against or disobedience of some law supposed to be laid down by God or Revelation. It is opposition to the will of God manifested in an authoritative work or at least failure to abide by the regulation contained therein.4
The general trend of religious and spiritual thinker is that the force of Karma as a rule is bound to fulfil itself. Gautama in his Dharmasutra5 refers to this fact by saying-that Karma is not destroyed which implies the indistinctibility of Karma. This means that a man cannot get rid of his Karma except through the experience of its consequences. The Satapatha Brāhmaṇas seems to confirm this truth. Apastamba in a similar strain holds
1. Prayaścictaviveka, p. 2
प्रायो नाम तपः प्रोक्तं चित्तं निश्चय उच्यते । तपो निश्चयसंयुक्त' प्रायश्चित्तमिति
स्मृतम् ॥
2. Prayaścittativeka p. 3
प्रयतत्त्वाद्वोपचित्तमशुभं नाशयतीति प्रायश्चितम् ।
3. Prayaścittaviveka, p. 6.
विहितस्याननुष्ठानान्निन्दितस्य च सेवनात् । अनिग्रहाच्चेन्द्रियाणां नरः
पतनमृच्छति ॥
4. Kane, History of Dharma Sastra, Vol. IV. p. 1.
5. Gautama Dharma sütra 19th Adhyaya, 6th Sutra. 6. Satapatha Brahmana, V. 2.7.27