Path of Karma – AT the World

Some see the material world as an object of enjoyment – they look AT the world. This is known as the path of karma. Because they see the various elements of material nature as a facility for physical and mental gratification, they ultimately experience frustration. For those who embody this enjoying spirit, Krishna rubber stamps the material world as temporary and miserable (dukhlayam asasvatam). Oftentimes, we’ll endeavour for material things and fail to get them – frustrated! Other times, we’ll get those things, but find the material experience is a let-down – frustrated! Sometimes, we’ll get those things, and feel the gratification, only to witness that experience eventually taken away – frustrated! When we look AT the world, we are looking for the right thing, but in the wrong place.

Even those who practice so-called religious life may come under this category. Though in contact with spiritual literatures, spiritual people and spiritual practices, their motives are still basically material. They may practice religion, but see it as a vehicle for material prosperity. For them, God is the cosmic order supplier – someone to approach in times of need and want.