Sadhana Panchakam, Instruction 2

Translation and Commentary by Jayaram V

1.2 Perform your actions according to the Vedas

Mere acquisition of knowledge is useless, unless it is put to practice. That knowledge must be used in every aspect of your life to become a better and wiser human being. It shall have a transformative effect upon your thinking and actions. Only then it becomes wisdom, which will help you hasten your spiritual progress and remain equal and indifferent to the dualities of pain and pleasure or happiness and sorrow. From wisdom arises discernment by which you can distinguish truth from falsehood, right means from wrong means and practice actions with right attitude so that you can be free from the ill effects of karma.

The Vedas distinguish three types of actions, good actions (karma), inaction (akarma) and bad actions (vikarma). Good actions are obligatory for a householder in fulfilling his duties and responsibilities. They cannot be neglected since they are meant to be performed for the order and regularity of the world as ordained by God. All righteous actions which nurture and support life upon earth and in the heavens and promote order and regularity fall into this category. By performing them one can ensure a place for oneself in the ancestral heaven and a good birth in the next life, but not liberation. Liberation (moksha) is the ultimate goal of human life, but in worldly life it comes in the end, after one has fulfilled all obligations.

Inaction means not performing such obligatory duties, or neglecting them, or not performing them when they are needed. Willful inaction produces sinful karma, just as willful actions. The third type of actions are bad actions or evil actions which produce negative consequences for oneself and others. The last two types of actions lead to prolonged suffering in the lower worlds and continuation of samsara or even a lower birth. They have to be avoided by all means.

It is not always possible to perform good actions only or avoid actions altogether. Therefore, the scriptures suggest a safer approach, known as karma yoga. According to it, one has to perform actions without any desire for their fruit, with a sacrificial and selfless attitude, as an offering to God. The actions of a karma yogi arise from the knowledge and wisdom gained through study and practice. They do not produce karma. Therefore, they are the safest. God himself exemplifies them by his actions which he performs to uphold the order and regularity of the world. Those who follow him and perform their duties similarly are forever liberated from the cycle of births and deaths. Devout householders, devotees, yogis and ascetics practice it for their self-transformation and liberation.

In today’s context, good actions mean any actions which you perform with a clean heart and good intentions and which lead to peace and happiness. Our scriptures encourage people to perform virtuous actions which uphold dharma, exemplify divine laws and lead to peace and harmony. They are beneficial and auspicious and conducive to spiritual growth. In contrast, all selfish and egoistic actions, which are rooted in ignorance, egoism and delusion are deemed evil (vikarma). They arise from demonic qualities and cause decline of Dharma, spiritual downfall and prolonged suffering. According to the Vedas and other scriptures they should be avoided by everyone.

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