Hinduism, which is based on the prehistoric culture and beliefs of Indian civilization philosophy, accentuates fundamental activities, or karmas as seen in the Vedic, Upanishadic, Bhakti, and other Dharmic Shastras. These, in fact, constitute the essence of Dharma – the right actions by which a balanced, ethical and fulfilling life is shaped. It also outlines the ethics required for the observance of these principles while providing the complex but integrated approach to spirituality and moralities.
Naimittika Karma
Naimittika Karma – Refers to the duties or rituals done to fulfill a certain occasion contrary to Nitya Karma or regular tasks and Karma yoga that is motivated by desire. “Naimittika,” an occasional term in English with reference to Sanskrit, implies those karmas which are necessary for the maintenance of moral fabric of society and which are performed during marriage funeral, birth and other such related occasions. These are tasks that are performed to praise the gods, honor the dead, pay due to society, and purify the soul. For instance, performing Shraddha to ancestors, celebrating Diwali or performing Griha Pravesh for a new home, among others, are all meant for protection of Dharma and fostering balance between materialistic and ethereal worlds for society’s benefits or recipients’ spiritual learning.
Nitya Karma
Nitya Karma means the routine activities, continuous tasks, and responsibilities that one has to perform throughout life according to the Hindu religion. Nitya means ‘daily and always’. It refers to actions that are prescribed to be carried out daily and are never ending. They are said to be acts of righteousness (Dharma) and form the basis of spiritual ‘cleansing’ and opening up. While regular actions that are taken in pursuit of particular objectives are referred to as Kamya Karmas, Nitya Karmas are the actions that are repetitive, performed in a disciplined manner and out of devotion with the purpose of creating balance in the world. This comprises bathing, praying, meditating and offering to the gods and chanting by recitation of certain phrases or words according to age and station in life. Nitya Karma forms the basis of spiritual practice, cleansing both the psyche and soma, conforming to laws of nature and improving attitude toward deities.
Prayaschitta Karma
The other is Prayaschitta Karma, which is a set of rituals that requires some sort of purification to absolve oneself of the misdeeds. The term “Prayaschitta” originated from Sanskrit translating as an endeavor to remedy the sins committed and their effects because every action has repercussions in society. By the process of atonement one can cancel out the undesirable social consequences and thus bring a change for the better in moral or spiritual aspect. These acts varying from mere fasting and chanting a prayer to complicated complex rituals is a process of seeking not only forgiveness but also self improvement, training, and the rectification of the cosmic order.
Kamya Karma
Karma that results from Kamya actions relates to actions done with the intention of attaining certain objectives wants or aspirations besides those regarded as fundamental necessities of human existence. These acts are sometimes decided by a calendar and are performed in front of gods to gain their blessings and are refer to as yajnas, which are sacrifices by fire, and pujas meaning worship. This is unlike Nishkama Karma in which an individual performs actions with no expectations on the results unlike Kamya Karma where the actions are done with specific results in mind. Unlike other shows, Kamya Karma must be in harmony with Dharma which controls their actions to avoid taking the wrong side of the law.
Nishiddha Karma
Nishiddha Karma includes actions which are unlawful or forbidden under Hindu law and moral principles and which are undesirable for the well-being of the individual or the society. These actions result in the creation of negative karma. This concept illustrates why one has to refrain from undertaking specific activities in order to maintain Dharma (the righteous way of living) and preserve social order. Taboos, stated in scriptures like Vedas, Upanishads, and Dharmashastra are norms that guide the appropriate behaviors of people. These are himsa or violence, steya or theft, and asatya or falsehood, which threaten the fabric of social relationships, inflict pain and imprints immorality. Holding non- complicating aims, Purification of the soul, nonviolence, and following Dharma are shown to lead to positive correlates in the current as well as future lives.
Nishkama Karma
There are many ways to approach action as described in the Bhagavad Gita one of which is Nishkama Karma where one performs actions without any desire for the fruit of it. The word “Nishkampa,” originating from Sanskrit prefix “Niṣ” for ‘without’ and “kāma” for ‘desire,’ underlines the process of performing tasks without expectation. This philosophy, which Lord Krishna imparts to Arjuna, calls for acting on one’s duty without expecting the fruit or karma, or reward for the actions. Nishkama Karma is similar to the concept of the ‘selfless work’ as a way to cleanse the soul and reach Moksha (salvation) through the elimination of the I-concept and acceptance of the results, be it positive or negative.
Among them are various karmas or actions considered integral for the balanced, ethical, and fulfilling life through passage of scriptures. These karmas like Nitya, Naimittika, Kamya, Prayaschitta, Nishkama, and Nishiddha help to make the right choices in leadership and in life, spiritual transformation, and ethical behaviour.