Karma, Bandhana, and Moksha

   It is common knowledge in Indian philosophy that all actions bring forth the fruits associated with them, the karmaphala. Let alone the actions, even the thoughts and desire that arise in our mind become the cause of rebirth. These fruits of action (karma phala) become the potent seeds for subsequent births and the inevitable deaths, there of. Thus, the chain reactions start and, the jiva knows no end to its predicaments. The fruits of action (karmaphala) accumulated over time become sanchita karma and prarabhda and, haunt the jiva, life after life. There seems to be no reprieve unless there is divine intervention. A self-less, attained, Guru may help, that too, by God's grace. Thus, the jiva suffers endlessly. Then, one may ask, what is the solution?

  Let's see what the scriptures say, and we quote here:

"The law of karma is a mechanical law and God as the superintendent decides each individual case (on its merit). He is thus the dispenser of the laws of karma..." Also, "God is absolutely free in extending His mercy and grace. But, it so happens that He actually extends them to those who deserve them by their good deeds and devotion". (Vedanta-ratna-manjusha, p.14, Quoted in History of Indian Philosophy, Nimbaraka's School of Philosophy, by SN Dasgupta,pp. 412-3).

  This may give rise to suspicion that God is partial and favors only who are devoted to Him. This is exactly the vedanta of  bhakti cult (principles of devotion and absolute surrender). Bhagavats believe in superiority of the Lord and surrender to Him. This belief is left to individuals and whether one accepts or not, it makes no difference to the Bhagavats. The entire Hindu Philosophy (bhagavata dharma) is God-oriented and the devotees trust and have faith in Him; this is the core of the bhagavat school of philosophy.  

  It is also sated here that, "The ultimate ideal, therefore, is to realize the (jiva's) relation with God, to abnegate all actions, desires and motives and to feel oneself as a constituent of Him. Such a being will never again comes within the grasp of mundane bondage and lives in eternal bliss in his devotional contemplation on God." This is how one can escape from the clutches of Nature (prakruti) and repeated births and deaths of the jiva due to karma. However,  there are several other methods of redemption to the jiva available in other scriptures that will be quoted one by one later. Acceptance and adherence to these principles (siddhanta), or reject these opinions of great thinkers is, however, left to one's own free will and wisdom. Nothing can be said about one's preferences. Once the jiva realizes that it is a part of the supreme Lord and tries to establish its contact with Him- Who resides in the cavity of heart as antaryamin, through japa, tapas, dhyana, it is redeemed!