Inner Voice - More To Death Than Meets The Eye Options

[Pradeep]

HT. By Mukunda Goswami. The writer is emeritus member of the Iskcon Governing Body Commission) innervoice@ hindustantimes.com

'EVERY TIME we breathe, walk, draw water or cook, guess what -- we're killing some being. Whether they be microbes, insects or plants, we squelch them -all of us. Take note, those who respect the soul in all life -- these include those who will not pick flowers or leaves or fruits at night for fear of waking the trees.

In ancient but advanced civilisations, tyranny was extinguished by force -- but according to strict rules. Armies might be wiped out, but not civilians. The Bhagavat Gita (3.13), in particular, reminds us that one can be released from all kinds of sins by considering every act as a sacrifice, whereas when deeds are performed only for personal use, sin accrues.

And so the inevitable law of karma comes into play. The message is that if one remains in a state of samadhi - even while working, entertaining, playing, relaxing, sleeping or eating -- there's no karmic reaction. Unfortunately, some twisted minds have ratio nalised terrorism by saying that they are meditating on the afterlife. Other's follow Saint Augustine's maxim blindly, and live as if they can love God and still do as they like.

Could this mean that the US military force in Iraq is justifiable and free from reaction? Well, it is rightly the subject of debate.

From a Vedic perspective it does hinge to a large degree on the consciousness of the invading armies, particularly their leaders.

But karmic laws are subtle and complex and modern politics disregards many of God's laws, whatever faith is espoused. So the jury is still out.

The way forward is to accept a higher principle. Killing is unavoidable, but by meditating on God, under proper guidance, there is no karma, even when performing essential but unloving tasks.

[Chitralekha]

Nice read. I think it all boils down to one sentence and that is:

Karmanyevaadhikaaraste Maa Faleshu Kadaachana |