Talk:Objections to the Doctrine of Karm and Responses:Complexity of the Law of Karm

By Vishal Agarwal

Objection: A theory (the Law of Karm in this case) should be simpler than the mass of facts and observations it explains. It seems, however, that the Law of Karm itself is very complex and allows for numerous exceptions and special cases, making it even more complex than the variety of Karm humans perform. Even the Gītā acknowledges this in the following words:

What is action and what is inaction – even the wise are deluded in this regard. — Gītā 4.16

The operation of Karm is difficult to understand. — Gītā 4.17

Answer: Human life is extremely complex and there are numerous factors that impact the moral value of our actions. Despite that, the Law of Karm, along with the Doctrine of Rebirth, has tremendous explanatory value. The Bhagavān, who is just and all-knowing, delivers perfect justice for our actions. The Law of Karm appears complex because we human beings are not omniscient.