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The concept of Karm, Akarm, Vikarm and Nishkaam Karm || Acharya Prashant, on Bhagavad Gita (2020)
Scriptures and Saints
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2 years ago
Bhagavad Gita
Karma
Akarma
Vikarma
Nishkam Karma
Sakam Karma
Prakriti
Liberation
Description

Acharya Prashant clarifies the meaning of the phrase 'gahana karmano gatih' by contextualizing it within the teachings of Shri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. He explains the fundamental distinctions between karma, akarma, and vikarma. Karma involves an agency making a conscious choice, whereas akarma refers to actions where no doership or choice is involved, such as involuntary biological processes or conditioned behaviors. Within the realm of karma, he identifies three categories: nishkam karma, sakam karma, and vikarma. Nishkam karma is the direct pursuit of liberation and freedom from personal desires. Sakam karma is the indirect and often dishonest pursuit of liberation through material desires, such as seeking freedom through wealth or relationships.