Currently, a broad definition of karma as it pertains to each
action that one performs during his/her lifetime is understood by Americans
as the theme of a popular TV show, "My Name is Earl." Although a very
uneducated viewpoint is exhibited, the actual definition is presented
quite well. Earl, the main character known by a large tv viewing
audience has often been a, "very bad boy" during earlier years. He now
strives to make up for every obnoxious and illegal act perpetuated upon
other people.
Though the basics of the Hindu religion of which karma is an
important belief have been followed actively over a period of roughly four
thousand years, it has been affected and changed very little. As with
Christianity, the average citizen is encouraged to be an obedient
follower of the rules by the guarantee of receiving a reward after death. A
man who is born into the lowest group of the five-level caste system
(called the Untouchables), will naturally be more accepting of his fate
in this lifetime when guaranteed, through good behavior to be elevated
in the next. The caste system is so completely identified with the
Hindu faith, which itself is so intertwined with the Indian culture, that
one proliferates the values of the other throughout the country.
A brief history of the development of the Hindu faith tells of its
developing from the values practiced by the Brahman leaders. When
Brahmanism encountered the Aryans back in the sixteenth century, Hinduism
was born. Both religions speak of many Gods, and the Holy Book is the
Veda. A group of five books called the Upanishads are also held to be Holy
works. When beginning a study of Hinduism, one would assume the
existence of many Gods by many names. After reading the literature more
thoroughly, the concept of uniting with one God after death is also
presented. Much study would be required to form an intelligent opinion of
which is the more truthful belief in modern times. One comes away with
certain knowledge that good karma is the requirement for reincarnation to
a higher and thus more enjoyable level of existence. The individual
follower of Hinduism believes that by practicing good karma he will
attain consecutively higher status in each reincarnation until the desired
goal of nirvana is reached. This I believe, from my limited
perspective, is the union of the individual with God.
