About the Book Questioner : How are good and bad karmas bound? Dadashri: The intention of giving happiness to others binds good karma and the intention of hurting others, will bind bad karmas. It is only through intent and not through action that karmas are bound. The external actions may be good or bad. That does not bind karma. What causes bondage of karma is the inner intent. Therefore be aware of the inner intent and do not spoil it. The external acts are all effects.
Preface Countless unimaginable and unexpected events such as plane crashes, bombings, fires, earthquakes and tornadoes causing innumerable deaths, have been known from television and newspapers! Many people have met their death in accidents or from diseases and hunger. Many have died right after birth and many have committed suicide. There have also been dark scandals involving preachers. At the same time the evolved souls of saints, devotees, and Gnanis (Self-realized) have been experiencing the bliss of Self (nijananda). When scandals arise, people become curious. Why are babies born disabled? One does not find any consolation. People's minds are silenced because they cannot resolve and understand the true nature and laws of karma. What is karma? How does one bind or accumulate karmas? Where does it all begin? What was the very first karma? How can one be liberated from karma? Can one avoid experiencing karma? Is God the doer of karma or is he the instigator behind them? What comes after death? Who binds all these karmas? Who experiences these karmas, the Atma (Soul) or the physical body?
What do our people call karma? According to people in general, karma means going to work, performing meritorious deeds, charity, and religious activities. The Self-realized however, call these karmaphala' (resultant karma) instead of karma. The gross karmas, which can be seen and experienced through the five senses, are all karmaphala or discharge karmas. That which was charged in the past life is being discharged in this life. It is manifested and becomes visible. The karmas performed at the present time are done at the subtle level. The charging point is very difficult to grasp or recognize.
Book's Contents and Sample Pages
