Talk:Karm Mīmāmsa or the Science of Karm:Karm and Shraddhā

By Vishal Agarwal

Noble intent and a perfect understanding or knowledge of the action being done and its subsequent results makes the Karm more efficacious, as discussed above. Faith complements good intent and knowledge, and can even suffice in the absence of the other two. Faith means19 that we believe in the words of our sacred scriptures and Gurus to be true and efficacious, and practice their teachings with full conviction, diligence and perseverance. The role of Shraddhā in performance of Karm is illustrated below with a few citations from our scriptures-

That which makes the yajna’s results permanent is faith. If one performs the yajna with faith, the fruit of that sacrifice is never lost. Rigveda, Kaushitaki Brahmana 7.4

When one performs karm with knowledge, faith, and meditation, that becomes more fruitful. Sāmaveda, Chhāndogya Upanishad 1.1.10

Janaka of Videha once asked Yajnavalkya, “What is used for the agnihotra, Yajnavalkya? Can you tell me?”

“I can, O king,” he replied.

“What is it, then?”

“Milk,” he said.

“If there were no milk, what would you use for the offering?”

‘Rice and barley.”

“And what would you use if there were no rice and barley?”

“Some other herbs.”

“And if there were no other herbs, what would you use?”

“I would use wild herbs,” he said.

“And what would you use if there were no wild herbs?”

“Some fruit.”

“And if there were no fruit, what would you use?”

“I would use some water,” he said.

“And if there were no water, what would you use?”

“Then indeed,” he replied, “there would be nothing at all, and yet an offering could be made – truth with faith.”

Janaka then said, “You know the agnihotra. Yajnavalkya, I give you a hundred cows.” Yajurveda,Shatapatha Brahmana 11.3.1.2-4

One should always perform Vedic ceremonies and acts of charity with faith, because when they are performed with faith and with wealth earned through Dharmic means, then they beget infinite reward. Manusmriti 4.226

But the ignorant person, who has no faith, and who is doubting perishes. For the doubting soul, there is neither this world, nor the next, nor is there happiness for him. Gita 4.40