KARMA, THE DOCTRINE OF, closely connected with the theory of rebirth and transmigration, is basic to the religious traditions of Indian origin such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. The term karam, as it is spelt in Punjabi and as it occurs in Sikh Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, has three connotations. As an inflection of Sanskrit karman from root kri (to do, perform, accomplish, make, cause or effect) it means an act, action, deed. It also stands for fate, destiny, predestination inasmuch as these result from one`s actions or deeds. Also, karam as a word of Arabic origin is synonymous with nadaror Divine grace or clemency.
It is with the first two connotations that the doctrine of karma is mainly concerned, although karam as God`s grace is also relevant to the ultimate eradication of karma bringing moksa or liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. According to the law of karma, every action, physical or mental, has its own consequence which must be faced either in this life or in the lives to come. In the Indian religious traditions, the doctrine of karma, for this reason, is linked with the doctrines and processes of reincarnation and transmigration. Some western philosophers of yore also believed in transmigration, but for them it was associated with the concept of immortality of the soul.
In Indian religious thought, on the other hand, transmigration is an essential concomitant of karma. It is to reap the consequence of his previous karma that an individual self (jiva) takes his next birth, but, in the very process of acting out this consequence, the jiva creates further chains of actions thus setting in motion an endless cycle of birth action death re-birth. This has been described as the “karmic wheel” of alternating birth and death with fresh karma keeping the wheel in endless motion until the cliain is broken through the annihilation of karma, and the jiva attains moksa (liberation or release from transmigration).
Different traditions within the Indian religious system recommend different means to break the karmic cycle-ranging from austerities, renunciation and non-action to ritualism, philosophic knowledge, devotion and fruitful action. The Gurus accepted the doctrine of karma not as an immutable law but as a system of Nature subject to hukam (Divine Order) and nadar (Divine grace) two concepts which might be described as Guru Nanak`s characteristic contribution to Indian religious thought. Hukam, a Persian term meaning command or decree, control or direction, sanction or permission, occurs in Guru Nanak`s hymns in several different but related connotations such as Divine law, Divine will or Divine pleasure {bhdnd, raza); Divine fiat (amar, farmdn); Divine power or Divine creation {qudaral).
Nadar, though justifiably translated as grace, is somewhat different from its usage in Christian theology where the stress is upon its universal nature and absolute sufficiency for salvation. In Sikhism, nadar`is related to Divine pleasure (razd) and somewhat close to “election” of neo-Calvinist theology except that it leaves no scope for individual`s free will. The doctrine of karma, according to Sikh belief, is a part of the Divine law (hukam).
“The whole universe,” says Guru Arjan, Nanak V, “is bound by action, good or bad” (GG, 51). Guru Nanak declares in the Japu that “all forms, beings, greatness and lowliness, pain and pleasure, bounties and wanderings are subject to the indescribable hukamsind there is nothing outside the realm of hukam,” (GG,l) and then adds that “karma determines the kaprd, i.e. body or birth we receive and that it is through nadar (God`s grace) that one secures the threshold of moksa” (GG.2). Sikhism, moreover, distinguishes between karma and kirat. The latter term applies to the cumulative effect of actions performed during successive births and is somewhat akin to sanchit karma and prdrabdh karma of Hindu the orcticians.
But the operation of karma in Sikhism is not irresistible; its adverse effects can be obliterated by a proper understanding of hukam and proper conduct in accordance with that understanding as well as by God`s grace. While the actions of other species are mostly regulated by instinctive response to environmental stimuli, man, endowed with a superior brain, is capable of having a proper understanding of hukam and choosing a course of actions (karma) favourable to progressive spiritual growth deserving His nadar. Human birth, therefore, is a precious gift and a rare chance for the individual soul (jivdtmd). Guru Nanak says: “Listen, listen to my advice, 0 my mind! Only good deeds shall endure, and there may not be a second chance.” Certain points in the Sikh view of karma are noticeable.
Sikhism docs not stipulate heaven or hell wherein good and bad actions of men are rewarded or punished. Moreover, according to Sikhism, human birth is the result of God`s will as well as of past actions. Further, past actions do not determine the caste or status of the Jiva taking birth. All human beings are born equal. What are “good” deeds (sukril) that help man`s quest for moksa, his ultimate aim? The Gurus deprecated self mortification and non-action and pronounced ritualism as useless. They recommended a householder`s life of activity and responsibility lived with humility, devotion and service guided by proper knowledge of hukama.nd submission to God`s will (razd).
Here Sikhism synthesizes the three paths to union with the Supreme soul, vi/. jndnd mdrga, bhakli mdrga and karma mdrga. A Sikh is called upon to seek gidn (jndnu), knowledge spiritual as well as secular, mundane and moral, practise bhakti, loving devotion, while leading a normal life of a gurmukh or one whose face is turned towards the Guru. His actions (karma) guided by discernment that comes from gidn and with the dedication and complete self-surrender of a bhakta, should be performed earnestly and honestly, doing full justice to his worldly duties.
Yet he should not lei himself be so much attached and entangled in the bonds of present life as to ignore the hereafter and to forget his ultimate goal which is reunion of his individual soul with its original source, the Supreme Spirit. Such disinterested actions help annihilate man`s haumai (Incss, ego) and, when blessed by God`s nadar or mihar, he can overcome the effect of past karma and become jivanmukta, i.e. one liberated while still living.
References :
1. Sabadarth Sn Gum Granth Sahib. Amritasr, 1964
2- Jodh Singh, Bhai, Gunnat Nirnaya. Lahore, 1932
3. Sher Singli, The Philosophy of Sikhism. Lahore, 1944
4. Nripinder Singh, The Sikh Moral Tradition. Delhi, 1990
5. Shiv Kumar, Muni, The Doctrine of Liberation in Indian Religions. Panchkula, 1981
Karma: The Doctrine of Action and Consequence in Sikhism
Introduction
The doctrine of karma, originating from ancient Indian philosophy, is a profound concept that emphasizes the relationship between actions and their consequences. Derived from the Sanskrit word kri, meaning “to do” or “to act,” karma refers to the principle that every action generates a corresponding reaction. Sikhism, while rooted in this broader Indic tradition, offers a unique interpretation of karma, emphasizing divine grace (nadar) and moral responsibility as the key to transcending the cycle of actions and their effects.
The Essence of Karma
In its simplest form, karma encapsulates the idea that one’s thoughts, words, and deeds directly shape their present and future circumstances. Actions driven by greed (lobh), ego (ahankar), or attachment (moh) result in negative consequences, while those rooted in compassion, humility, and devotion lead to positive outcomes. Sikhism acknowledges karma as a governing principle of life but emphasizes that liberation (mukti) is not achieved solely through good deeds. Instead, it arises through divine grace, devotion, and alignment with God’s will (hukam).
Karma and Rebirth
The concept of karma is intricately linked to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). Sikhism teaches that the soul, bound by the effects of its past actions, continues to undergo this cycle until it attains liberation. The Guru Granth Sahib explains, “Whatever you sow, so shall you reap” (GG, 134). This highlights the moral accountability inherent in the doctrine of karma, where every action leaves an imprint on the soul.
However, Sikh philosophy also emphasizes the transformative power of naam simran (meditation on God’s Name) and seva (selfless service) in overcoming the burdens of past karma. By surrendering to God’s grace, individuals can transcend their karmic cycle and realize their union with the Divine.
Karma and Divine Grace
While karma underscores the importance of moral responsibility, Sikhism places greater emphasis on the role of divine grace in spiritual liberation. The Gurus teach that no amount of good deeds can guarantee liberation unless coupled with devotion and humility. Guru Nanak Dev Ji states, “By God’s grace, the noose of karma is cut, and the soul merges with the Eternal” (GG, 1121). This perspective highlights the balance between human effort and divine intervention in the Sikh understanding of karma.
The Path of Righteous Action
Sikhism encourages individuals to engage in righteous actions while remaining detached from their outcomes. This principle, akin to the concept of nishkam karma (selfless action), is central to Sikh ethics. By performing good deeds without expectation of reward, individuals align their actions with divine will and foster spiritual growth. Guru Amar Das Ji advises, “Do good deeds and meditate on God’s Name; this is the path to liberation” (GG, 633).
The Sikh emphasis on ethical living also extends to social responsibility, where personal karma is intertwined with the well-being of the community. Acts of selfless service, compassion, and justice are seen as expressions of devotion and key aspects of a righteous life.
Conclusion
The doctrine of karma in Sikhism offers a nuanced understanding of the interplay between actions, consequences, and divine grace. While it underscores the moral accountability of individuals, it also highlights the transformative power of devotion and humility in transcending the cycle of karma. By aligning their actions with divine will, engaging in meditation, and embracing selfless service, Sikhs can rise above the limitations of karma and attain spiritual liberation. As Guru Nanak Dev Ji reminds us, “True freedom lies in surrendering to God’s will and living a life of love and devotion” (GG, 156).
