Dynamics of action (karma)

In any situation, stimulus comes in through our senses. Then, based on past experiences, feelings, associations, genetics etc., we either like (raaga) or dislike (dwesh) the stimulus. We then evaluate risk and evolve a coping response to the stimulus. This response is called action (Sanskrit - karma).

Karma or action is the outcome of a stimulus-response transaction where the stimulus or response results in a give or take situation between two objects. The give or take does not have to be material, it could be ideas, feelings, opinions etc. but the transaction results in a bond being generated between one and the other entity. Mostly, the transaction is not equal because one will always give or take more than the other and this creates a debt (rinn) of one on the other.

How does action occur? When we like or dislike a subject, we either pull close or push away the object, creating action or karma. What this means is that the creation of action is continuous, due to voluntary and involuntary, conscious and unconscious action. As a corollary, creation of debt or (rinn) is also continuous and this debt generated needs to be liquidated. It is pertinent to state here, that when the debt is completely paid off both entities will feel no reason to stay in the bond and the relationship will dissolve, but conversely, the bond stays until it is paid off. This is the foundation of the concept of rebirth. If the debt generated in this birth is not paid off, then there comes a need for another birth to pay the debt off. But, the act of repayment generates other debt resulting in further births. This is called the cycle of successive states (Sanskrit – samsara).

Due to a combination of like/ dislike (raag/ dwesh) and creation of debt, action either increases or decreases energy levels in us. When energy level is increased, there is motivation or eustress, also called aashirwada- blessing/ benediction, and when there is a decrease in energy levels, it is called abhishapa - curse/ charge/ accusation. Both, eustress or aashirwada and distress or abhishapa result in stress, and the impact of both needs to be managed.

All action leads to experience (Sanskrit – anubhava). Experience is the feedback from others to us on our action and can therefore be defined as an awareness of the event which is called (vijnana or awareness of the situation). This awareness of external feedback results in an internal transformation (jnana) within us. Jnana is the awareness of the impact of feedback on our sense of identity, meaning - jnana is the understanding which we develop of ourselves due to the input we receive from the environment.

Anecdotes, experiences and situations to help understand…

It is very late in the evening. You are driving home from a difficult day at work. As you turn into your neighbourhood, you realize that a car is following you very closely. The driver is a teenager, honking continuously and driving in a most offensive manner. There is no room on the street for him to overtake you and you are getting irritated.  You are hoping that the kid will stop, but no, it is getting worse and you suddenly decide to put an end to this irresponsible behaviour. You stop your car and get out…

• What is your state at this point?
• What is your energy level?
• What is your opinion of the other driver?

You stride across to the other car which has stopped some distance behind you. You see that there are two people in the car. You go to the driver’s side. You notice that it is a young girl and she seems scared.  She tells you that she is just learning to drive, that the person next to her is her father who fell unconscious when they were having dinner.  She somehow managed to get him into the car and is now trying to get him to hospital...

• What is your state at this point?
• What is your energy level?
• What is your opinion of the other driver?

Share your opinion & experiences…

• Does experience change when we “sleep over” a situation? Why?
• Is there experience when we are doing nothing?
• Is environmental degradation an experience of nature?
• Does nature perform action or karma? How?
• Can inanimate objects increase/ decrease energy in others? Can a car increase energy in you? Does the attachment or aversion you have to your car or cat result in karma?
• What are the ways in which we can increase energy in ourselves & others?
• How do we avoid reducing energy in ourselves & others?
• Can we control situations we get into?
• Can we perform actions with complete awareness?
• Karma & accountability?
• Karma and society?
• Karma & wisdom. Is wisdom experience or understanding of one’s identity?