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 58

[ 44 ] VASISTHA SAMHITA ON KARMAN
Vasiştha Samhită divides Karma into two classes namely Pravartaka and Nivartaka, 1 from which it is clear that according to Vasistha it is not proper to renounce Karman at any stage so that Karmasamasya has no place in his scheme. The Pravaraka Karma is initiated by desire and will and every member of the Varņāśrama system has to follow it. This karma is known as Pravartaka as it encourages a man to lead a wo'ldly life but when the karma is combined with Jñāna and is free from all desires, it is called nivartaka karma, It is so called because it prevents a man from entering into the cycle of birth and death. It is thus clear that man falls into the cycle of birth and death due to Karma done with a special motive but if the action is performed with the idea that it is one's duty without caring for the fruits, it is called nivartaka karma. It is thus clear that Vasistha's Nivartaka Karma is more or less analogous to Gita's Nişkáma Karma. Vasistha points out that the external karma is of the nature of kriya and it is no other than the performance of what is enjoined in the Sastras. The inner Karma which is called Nivartaka is done by means of the mind and or buddhi and is done within the Ātmā itself. It is pointed out that according to Vasişgha all the rituals enjoined by the Sruti and the Smști can be performed mentally. Vasiştha points out that as a matter of fact mental action is superior to bodily action in every case. According to him? Nitya karma should be done regularly,
Vasiştha was an advocate of Jñánakarma - samuccaya and believed that salvation could be attained by the united action of Karma and Jñāna.
In the Nitya-Cára Paddhati it is enjoined that on journey one should perform Nitya Karma mentally. Vasiştha however says that even in usual times mental actions are better than physical actions. This idea existed in the Upanişadic times also. In the
1. Vasiştha Samhita 1. 19 2. Vasiştha Samhită-- 1.20