Geethartha Chinthane 48: Karma cannot be avoided, but fruits can be renounced

On one hand, service to God is considered Karma; on the other hand, the Bhagavad Gita states, “Na hi kashchit kshanam api jaatu tishthatyakarmakrit“—meaning that it is impossible to remain without performing any action, even for a moment. This raises the question of whether there is a contradiction. However, the true Karma is that which is done in service to God.

All other actions we perform are considered practical or worldly. It is impossible to avoid action altogether, but it is possible to perform actions while renouncing the fruits of those actions. Even the journey of the ‘linga deha’ from one physical body to another is considered Karma.

Renouncing the fruits of actions (Karma Phalatyaga) is the only way to escape the bondage of Karma. Karma Phalatyaga means giving up personal desires, i.e., renouncing worldly rewards. Monks must perform Karma for the welfare of the world, not for personal gain.

The defining characteristic of renunciation (Sannyasa) is the understanding that “God is the one who is performing all actions” (Karmani akarma yah pashyati). While sannyasis have fewer karmic bondages, householders have more, as each kamya karma (action done with desire) generates further actions. This creates more bondages, which in turn delays the journey towards Moksha.

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