The Law of Karma...

[Vikram_Rana]

The Law of Karma
 
The law of karma underpins the process
 of transmigration of the soul.
 Karma literally means "action,"
but more often refers to the accumulated reactions to activities.
 Thus we talk of "good karma" and "bad karma,"
which are stored reactions that gradually unfold to determine our unique destiny.
The self-determination and accountability of the
individual soul rests on its capacity for free choice.
 This is exercised only in the human form.
 
Whilst in lower species,
the atman takes no moral decisions but is instead bound by instinct.
Therefore, although all species of life are subject to the
reactions of past activities,
such karma is generated only while in the human form.
Human life alone is a life of responsibility.

The Bhagavad-gita categorises karma,
listing three kinds of human actions:
(1) Karma: those which elevate,
(2) Vikarma: those which degrade and
 (3) Akarma: those which create neither good nor
bad reactions and thus lead to liberation
.
Common Misunderstandings:
In Hinduisam, says don't eat meat because they think that they will then be reborn as an animal.

This statement suggests that Hindus perform
Pious activities largely out of fear and selfishness.
It neglects the finer sentiments behind vegetarianism,
such as empathy for fellow living beings.

A good dog may become a human in the next life,
 whereas a bad dog may become a bird or insect.

The soul passing through lower
species doesn't create any new karma.
 He only works off the karmic reactions generated
 whilst in the human form and gradually
rises towards another human birth.

Hindus blame suffering on karma.
Not usually.
 Blame and responsibility are different.
Karma entails understanding that we are all
 Ultimately responsible for our own lives.
Belief in karma does not automatically create indifference
 to the suffering of ourselves or others
 (as the above statement may imply),
 but underpins sentiments of
"helping others to help themselves".