What does Gurudev say about karma?

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar teaches that karma is a complex and profound concept that encompasses the actions we take and their consequences. He emphasizes that our actions, thoughts, and feelings all contribute to our karma. The key to navigating karma is through awareness and right action. By performing actions without attachment to the results, known as Nishkama Karma, one can attain liberation from the cycle of karma.

Gurudev also suggests that meditation, chanting, and engaging in service activities can help cleanse past negative karmas. He compares this process to bringing light into a dark room; the darkness simply disappears. Moreover, he advises not to get entangled in over-analyzing karma, as its ways are unfathomable. Instead, moving forward with wisdom and conviction can help dissolve negative karmas.

He also highlights the importance of discretion in our actions. Just as excessive consumption of something good can turn harmful, lack of discretion in actions can lead to negative karma. Ultimately, he teaches that through practices like yoga and devotion, one can prevent karma from sticking, much like grease prevents food from sticking to a pan.

In essence, Gurudev encourages living a life of awareness, service, and devotion to navigate the vast and intricate web of karma effectively.