3.32.1

The thirty second chapter of Bhagavatham describes the Grihastashrami’s efforts to attain Mukthi.

Lord Kapila says, “it is the intention behind the actions that differentiates the actions. When you do Karmam with desire for result, it is called “Sakama” and when you do that to please the Lord alone, it is called “Nishkama”.

“Sakama” people live as Grihasthas and do their household activities enjoying their results again and again.  It is like breeding cattle, taking care of them, milking them and again and again enjoying the same experiences.  They are called the Dharma, Artha and Kama Purusharthas.

Note – what do we learn here? Bhagavan says, the intention or the attitude with which we do an action determines if it is good or bad. For example, a robber stabbing a man with his knife for stealing his money is a cruel action. It is bad Karma which will give negative Karma phalam. But a doctor performing a surgery on a patient for saving his life may make the same injury, but it is good karma that gives positive Karma phalam.