• Prof Pati gives three reasons how this book can you help you in your day to day life through a deeper understanding of the theory of Karma.

In the year 1895, in one of his correspondences to his theosophist friend Mr. Edward Sturdy, Swami Vivekananda reasoned, “When my Master left the body, we were a dozen penniless and unknown young men. Against us were a hundred powerful organisations, struggling hard to nip us in the bud. But Ramakrishna had given us one great gift, the desire, and the lifelong struggle not to talk alone, but to live the life......in one word anubhuti, (or) realisation”. What needs to be realized? That “I and my brother are one.” 

He further proclaimed, “Let the talkers talk! They know no better.” Instead, he sought “a dozen...lion-souls in each country, lions who have broken their own bonds, who have touched the Infinite, whose whole soul is gone to Brahman, who care neither for wealth nor power nor fame, and these will be enough to shake the world.” 

Seen from this context, Prof. P. R. Mukund has provided a simple elucidation of the Theory of Karma in this book, which has the potential to create the lion-hearts that Swami Vivekananda had so wanted. By simple, it may not be understood as ‘simplistic’. Instead, it is a remarkable attempt by the author to distil the multidimensional and sophisticated philosophy of Karma into elements of practice that can help anyone transform her/his life into a meaningful existence.

At this juncture, it must not be forgotten that the long history of colonization that was forced upon our nation had successfully eroded much of our knowledge and heritage. In the words of the noted Bengali intellectual, Shibanath Shastri, Indians were forced to go through an education system that indoctrinated them “to regard with esteem whatever was western, and with contempt whatever eastern.” 

With independence, the shackles have fallen, yet their imprint on the national psyche remains.

Generations continue to grapple in the dark, prodded on by a limited narrative of happiness peddled by a disconnected education system, engaging in choices and actions that are alienated from the self without the ability to rationalize the purpose of their existence.

This book by Prof. Mukund would help the readers understand the sanctity and privilege of their actions. It is beyond the oft-repeated simplification of Karma theory: “As you sow, so shall you reap”. Instead, it reads like an odyssey into the Indian civilization and the minds of the Rishis. 

Chiefly, I like three things about the book:

1. Prof. Mukund reveals a wide spectrum of Karmas (activities) one engages in one’s life. It was overwhelming, to say the least, and I must say it prompted me to take frequent pauses to let these sink in. For example, the simple prayer that we engage in every day after a ritual bath, the food that we eat, our family commitments, the rituals after the death of a family member, the festivals that we celebrate, etc., are all Karmas. 

In fact, reading the book reinforces the belief that our life is nothing but an aggregation of activities played out in different contexts, like family, workplace, society, etc. And each of these has the power to decide our legacy. Hence, it inspires the readers to become more conscious about their choices and have a clear understanding of the purpose underlying them.

2. The book provides a rich description of the underlying Vedic knowledge for certain institutionalized actions. For example, Prof. Mukund shared important insights underlying specific artifacts in the four ashramas that the Vedic way of life advises. The Brahamchari’s ‘yagnopavita’ is an oath by the student that he would do his very best to unite his thought, speech and action (i.e. Trikaransuddhi). Further, Daana (or sacrificial offering) is the most important aspect of the married life (i.e., Grihastha Ashrama). Even he positions that a healthy and righteous progeny is one of the most important offerings a couple can make to society.

Such assertions have the potential to make the reader engage in deep self-reflection.

In a world that is getting increasingly individualized owing to unprincipled capitalism, it will make the reader rediscover ways to reconnect with the community and contribute to its upliftment.

3. Finally, the book is an apt source for people interested in discovering ways to live Sanathana Dharma practically.

For example, Prof. Mukund provides Vedic logic regarding stress and suffering in one’s life. Instead of engaging in some philosophical deconstruction, he writes that the Vedic people had identified three sources of stress - Adhi-aatmika (i.e., from within self), Adhi-bhoutika (i.e., from the five elements or Nature), and Adhi-daivika (i.e., Gods who are but representatives of Nature). 

While Adhi-aatmika cautions us against ingesting anything that is unhealthy or impure (that includes inputs to the mind), Adhi-aatmika and Addhi-daivika make us aware of our interrelationship with Nature and the environment and why we must all be careful against harming Nature. The frequency of extreme weather events that the world is witnessing, which in turn has enhanced the uncertainty in people’s lives, makes one wonder about the deep insights that the Rishis had on the connection between man and nature. 

Sustainability had been the focus of the Vedic way of life long before the UNSDGs were conceptualized.

In summary, this book is a labor of love that strives to educate as well as gently nudge the readers to lead a more conscious life by being aware of their actions.

A must-read!

Author Prof Pati is Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, India.

Book is available on Amazon, another way to get the book is to send an email to the publisher info@taraprakashana.org

Also read

1. Karma and Intent by Prof Mukund

2. FAQ Karma and Reincarnation

3. Karma, Destiny and Free Will

4. Fate, Free Will and Vedic Astrology