“Karma Phala” or Results of Our Action
The “Theory of Karma” has been illustrated in Shri Bhagavad Gita which states that “One has to bear the Results of one’s Action”. Shri Sai Satcharita has many narrations where Baba has referred to the actions of devotees in their previous birth and its results. These confirm Baba’s belief in the Karmic theory. The following three questions often cross our mind:
- I am a noble person. Why don’t I get the success I deserve ?
- I haven’t done anything wrong in this birth. May be I have done something wrong in my previous birth. Why do I have to go through so much pain ?
- Why does the other person (neighbor, colleague etc.) is bestowed with the choicest of blessings in spite of being unscrupulous ?
There can’t be more absurd thought process than this. This is jealousy.
We can’t celebrate other’s Success. We not only look for the causes of our failures and agony, We also seek explanations for another Individual’s success and joy. This (thought process) is a roadblock in evolution and advancement in the spiritual path. It’s a distraction.
Duty is God
Our belief in God or Guru shouldn’t revolve around a single situation or problem in our life. It’s an Invisible Contract. There exists a contract to receive blessings and help from God which states that, “If you conduct yourself in a certain way, then there will be suitable outcome”. When we don’t honor our portion of the contract, why should we blame God for his part ? We expect mercy and support from God in spite of being Immoral. A common argument one hears is, “Since He is God, Why can’t he be all Merciful ?” Here we have transferred the blame to God, which is an illogical argument.
Instead of finding our own weaknesses, We look for flaws in another Individual or God. This is one of the biggest ‘Maya’ or Illusion of human mind.
Another wrong belief system is “Disability’s God” – hiding one’s inability in the guise of devotion. Neither we have inclination to carry on our duties, nor we are dedicated and hardworking. We give up our responsibilities by letting God handle everything. The life of a real devotee is full of intensity and actions. One should first serve his family, profession, pets etc. and then serve the master, and fellow human beings with his residual energy. If we don’t do our duty then neither lord Jagannath nor Shri Shirdi Sai Baba can be of much help, as they can only bless after the “Theory of Karma” is put into practice.
Some devotees think that the more they grieve before god, the faster they can attract his attention to their problems. Again, this is an incorrect belief. We receive god’s blessings by our noble deeds. Breaking down before the almighty is fine. It’s an expression of our emotions. At the same time we should check our intentions. Is it out of love and affection or to fulfill our own selfish desires ?
There are many poor beggars on the roadside. Don’t become an educated tramp who pleads for more materialistic possessions in spite of having everything. You become worse than those beggars. Refrain from this. You will incur more pain than gain, as the Sadgurus never wish their children to be weak and incapable.
If you truly wish to walk in the path of devotion, grieve and appeal like a child before the almighty to receive his mercy. If we ever plead, We should do so only before the Sadguru and pray not for materialistic possessions but for knowledge to overcome illusions and to kindle passion in our hearts for his devotion. We should ask for strength to do his work and wisdom to control and direct our mind. Finally, we should pray to become such disciples who would never stretch his hands before anyone other than his Guru !
[Edited and Translated portion of the speech by Dr. C B Satpathy in Oriya language during the land consecration ceremony of Shirdi Sai Temple, Anugul, Odisha in 2011]