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The Doctrine of Karma: Towards a Sociological Perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 April 2024

Shrirama Indradeva
Shrirama Indradeva*
Affiliation:
Raipur, M.P.
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Extract

It is well known that in India, over the last two thousand five hundred years or more, there has been a pervasive belief in the doctrine of Karma. Various forms and variants in which this doctrine has found expression in the multifarious texts and metaphysical systems have drawn a good deal of attention. The present paper, however, is an attempt at analysing the function of this doctrine, in the sustenance of the traditional social system, and particularly the scheme of social stratification. As we shall see, an unshakable faith in this doctrine by people belonging to all strata of society provided tremendous strength to the caste hierarchy based on birth, and ensured a secure place for the Brāhmanas and their progeny on the top of the social pyramid.

Type
Research Article
Information
Diogenes , Volume 35 , Issue 140 , December 1987 , pp. 141 - 154
Copyright
Copyright © 1987 Fédération Internationale des Sociétés de Philosophie / International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP)

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References

1 Robert K. Merton, "Manifest and Latent Function," Social Theory and Social Structure, New York, The Free Press, 1968, p. 78.

2 Ibid, pp. 114-136.

3 Śatapatha Brahmana, X.4.4. 9-10.

4 Buddhist India, Delhi, Motilal Banarasidas, 1971, p. 197.

5 The term Varna refers to the fourfold ideal division of society mentioned in the classical texts of Hinduism, while the word caste (jati in Sanskrit and Hindi) is generally used for the numerous endogamous groups which actually form the traditional social hierarchy. The Varnas are only four in number while the castes are well over two thousand, and they are a social reality in the sense that they are recognised as such and determine the flow of social interaction. However there is often a dispute about a caste's belonging to a particular Varna. It would be difficult to place neatly all the castes in the four Varnas.

6 Chandogya Upanisad, V, 10.7.

7 Brhadaranyaka Upanisad, IV, 4, 3-6.

8 Śvetasvatara Upanisad, 6.16.

9 Gautama Dharmasutra, XI, 29-30.

10 Apastamba Dharmasutra, II, 2. 2-3.

11 Apastamba Dharmasutra, II, 1, 2-6.

12 This word is used in the same sense among the Hindus even today.

13 Vinaya Texts, Mahabhvagga, I, 1, 2-3.

14 Majjhima Nikaya, 140.

15 Majjhima Nikaya, 120.

16 Digha Nikaya, 15.

17 Vinaya texts, Mahabhvagga, I, 6.44, and 46.

18 Mahabharata, Anuśasanaparva, 7.22.

19 Mahabharata, Anuśasanaparva, I, 74, 78-79.

20 Manusmrti, XII, 40-50.

21 Manusmrti, XII, 52.

22 Bhagwat Gita, III, 35.