This article is about Karma and how we can skillfully use this teaching on a moment to moment basis as we go through the day.
Specifically I will be discussing Prarabdha karma. Below is a link to an earlier blog on this topic:
Ramana Maharshi – whose teachings I am following now – believed in Prarabdha karma. He compared the journey of life to travelling in a train. He said that we do not need to carry the luggage that we take with us on our head when we are sitting in the train compartment. We can put the luggage on the seat besides us and sit comfortably.
In a nutshell the concept of Prarabdha karma states that what we get or do not get in life is already predestined to happen. This is that karma that can only be extinguished by experiencing its effects. There is nothing you can do to avert that which is our portion. Likewise if what we want is not in our fate or destiny then it will not happen.
In other words we are already in the train and the train will take us where we are meant to go. There is nothing we can do that will take us anywhere else.
Also according to Sri Ramana God is almighty, all knowing and merciful and compassionate. The train is taking us to where it is in our best interest to go.
If you accept this teaching completely then you will find that you are free of all manner of fears, worries and concern for the ego. Why worry when what we will get is already decided by fate or destiny or our karma in earlier lifetimes or the will of God or whatever.
Following this to its logical conclusion we can even outsource our thinking to God. Why think and plan when what will happen is already decided and cannot be avoided.
Now obviously that is a little extreme. All of us need to plan for our goals and act on the basis on these plans. What I am asking you to do is to forego attachment for the results. That is what is in the hands of Prarabdha karma according to Sri Ramana.
Another point is that Sri Ramana’s teaching is meant for spiritual aspirants who are seeking the Divine through Jnana yoga. The Bhagavad Gita might be a better guide for those of us involved in earning a living, providing for a family and so on. That is Karma yoga.
Once you have accepted the doctrine of Prarabdha karma you will be better able to let go of your attachments. You will be more interested in seeking the Divine. Because that is the one thing that is in our hands to do. Investigate within to experience our true nature.
And our true nature – according to the Hindu scriptures – is Being-Consciousness—Bliss. All the love and joy and bliss and peace we are seeking is to be found within us and not in any worldly relationships or experiences or possessions.
And also you will be better able to deal with the challenges of daily life.
This is a bit counterintuitive but it works this way. When you accept the doctrine of Prarabdha karma you are free of the clutches of the ego. You stop worrying about what might happen. Then you are in a better position to use your intelligence to understand and deal with the challenge you are facing
I have myself after playing with this concept for a few days have felt much lighter and happier and more peaceful as a result. I am prone to overthinking and also to morbid thoughts. These past few days I have done some self talk reminding myself of Prarabdha karma whenever I felt my thoughts were taking me on unconstructive channels.
Likewise it is easier to let go of grudges and so on.
And then you will be free to enjoy life and also do Self Investigation (if you are following Sri Ramana’s teachings).
I am not sure if there is a conclusive logical proof of the Prarabdha karma doctrine. My earlier blog dealt with the question of proof. But speaking of myself I am quite happy to take Sri Ramana’s word for it as I think he was an enlightened mystic.
Here is a related YouTube video that you may be interested in
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