The theory of KARMA is a well known concept in Hinduism. Sikh Gurus also allude to this in SGGS. But Sikh Gurus also observe that the effects of Pralbadh (Prarabadha) Karma can be mitigated or even extinguished with the blessings of Satguru (Shabd Guru).
We endlessly complain, moan and groan. Little do we see (much less help) life around us, considerably more unfortunate than us!
Who do we blame? God, mankind or Karma?
Can the suffering jeeva do more to get out of their wretched, pitiable life or are they condemned forever without hope or respite from their woes.
This type of existence, unfortunately, is so commonplace around the world, in particular, the third world countries, including nuclear powers such China, India and Pakistan.
Guru Arjan Dev illustrates this so poignantly:
ਕਈ ਕੋਟਿ ਬੈਠਤ ਹੀ ਖਾਹਿ ॥ ਕਈ ਕੋਟਿ ਘਾਲਹਿ ਥਕਿ ਪਾਹਿ ॥ (276)
“kai kot baithat hee khaahey Kai kot ghaaleh thak paahey” (276)
But this does not exonerate us, the more fortunate ones from doing so little towards the plight of the suffering mankind. It also illustrates how preoccupied we are with our problems and how conveniently we turn a blind eye.
Within a square mile we can see some living high ostentatious and glamorous lives and in the other corner we see the down-and-out hapless beings barely clinging on to life. On the one hand you see an Indian tycoon’s daughter bedecked in precious diamonds and on the other a disconsolate sister struggling to barely cover her body.
The mankind has been carrying this albatross of shame around its neck for time immemorial. This illustrates how insensitive we are. If Karmic Theory is to be believed then what we see around us is the mirror of our future existence since there is not much we can say about our current karma (deeds).
Perhaps we may take some consolation from the concept of ‘Agami Karma’ (future conduct) and mend our ways. Otherwise the man taking shelter under his fruit pushcart could well be one of us.
‘arshi’ 8 August 2016