When we reflect on the fact that yogis exercise their will and stop their pulse-beats and their inhaling-exhaling process, we realise the power of Will in inducing Karma. Karma we can infer, is not something hanging loose in mid-air! Unless we become doers, deeds do not emanate. "Na jaathi icchathi jethathe" says an axiom in the Nyayasastra. "As one knows, so one wishes; as one wishes, so one acts." The Vedantha Sutras also proclaim the same truth. "Yad dhyaathi, tad icchathi" (That on which attention rests, that is the thing wished for). "Yad icchathi tad karothi" (That on which the wish rests that is the thing for which deeds are done). "Yad Karothi, tad bhavathi" (That for which deeds are done, that is what he becomes).
The manifest nature of the individual is moulded by desire. He shapes himself in line with his hopes, aspirations, attempts and achievements. Even his own future life is designed by him through his decisions and deeds. The force that his 'reason' exerts on him and which directs his will in specific directions is known as Prakrithi, or 'Nature'. When once it is discovered that one's own level of intelligence is the prime factor in determining one's inclinations and desires, then, it is easy to follow the means by which one can win release from the hold of "Prakrithi."
Karma is generally known to mean 'work'. Transactions and actions of all kinds can be designated as 'work'. There are no levels of work like low or high. All work is holy, if it has to be done for the upkeep and uplift of life. This is the reason why karma is praised as highly sacrosanct and desirable, and as fraught with meritorious or deleterious consequences.
The Hindus ascribe good fortune and bad, joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, to the inescapable fruit of karma and so, it has happened that some have labelled as idlers those who do not resist and overwhelm distress, disease and pain. This is a partial paralytic view, which ignores the guiding principles and underlying philosophy of karma and knows it only as reflected in worldly, material activities. This view is adopted and emphasised to help particular sections to progress, that is all.
