સ્વામી દયાનન્દની કર્મમીમાંસા
By Kamleshkumar Ch. Choksi
Summary
This article discusses Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s interpretation of karma as articulated in the teachings of the Arya Samaj. Dayananda posits an eternal triad comprising Ishvara (God), jiva (souls) and prakriti (matter). He believes that God creates the universe to provide souls with bodies and environments in which to experience the results of their karma. However, God is not responsible for the fruits of karma; souls alone generate and experience karma. According to Dayananda, karma operates like a natural law: just as rain provides water to crops but does not determine which seeds have been sown, God provides the cosmic conditions for karma to unfold but does not influence the outcome. The article notes that Dayananda rejects the concept of divine avatars and miracles, emphasising rationality and adherence to the Vedas. He sees God as omniscient and just yet unaffected by karma. The article highlights Dayananda’s insistence on individual moral responsibility: jivas have free will to perform actions and must bear their consequences.
Conclusion
The article concludes that Swami Dayananda’s karma theory emphasises personal responsibility and rational morality. By positing that God merely facilitates the environment where karma operates, Dayananda rejects fatalism and supernaturalism. His doctrine encourages self‑reliance, ethical living and belief in the moral order of the universe.