Knowing Karm

The Karmic triad as explored in the Vedic scriptures has been the very basis for the code of morality employed for generations by the Vedic people, irrespective of sect. Words, thoughts, and physical actions are the three phenomena which constitute this unparalleled understanding of action. The term Karm in itself finds its source in the Sanskrit root denoting actual physical action, however the distinction which ensures Karm's individuality is the ability to bifurcate between action and intention. To dive deeper into the Karmic triad, we must look at all three individually. The most rudimentary definition of action is the one which is physical in nature, be it talking, walking or living. This definition of Karm is rather self-explanatory. Many have discussed the power of words and how they have both the power to hurt and heal, however, the gravest of these actions are without a doubt, the ones we think of, yet do not perform physically. The anonymity of thought, and the secrecy of intention are the two factors which make thoughts the most powerful of actions. A deed done physically, or words expressed in a given time, last so long as we are engaged in that particular activity. Thoughts however have the power of longevity, lingering and resurfacing through entire lifetimes. It is for these reasons that repeatedly Shastras and their knowers have always placed a great deal importance on what we think.

Today, Karm has found a remarkable place in contemporary parlance, with the term being used around the globe to denote the profound underpinning principle of Karm, and not the basic definition of action. We have been given what we gave, and we will be given what we give. When the Shastras speak of this universal code, they speak of the Saiddhantik nature of Karm. The term Siddhant is a compound word made of two terms, siddh and ant. It is a common misunderstanding that the term ant means an end, whereas in actuality it means the secret, the rahasya, or the ultimate reason. Siddh of course means completion or achievement, and therefore Siddhant means the ultimate concept of completion. When we talk of the Karm Siddhant, we talk about the central theory of action, that in the due course of time, we shall enjoy a proportionate reciprocation of an action we have performed, either by deeds, words, or thoughts.

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