Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 55
Arcana-vidhi: The Method of Deity Worship
Vedic, Tantric, and Mixed
कर्तुश्च सारथेर्हेतोरनुमोदितुरेव च । कर्मणां भागिन: प्रेत्य भूयो भूयसि तत् फलम् ॥ ५५ ॥
kartuś ca sārather hetor anumoditur eva ca karmaṇāṁ bhāginaḥ pretya bhūyo bhūyasi tat-phalam
Not only the performer of the theft but also anyone who assists him, instigates the crime, or simply approves of it must also share the reaction in the next life. According to their degree of participation, they each must suffer a proportionate consequence.
Stealing paraphernalia meant for worshiping the Supreme Lord or His authorized representatives should be avoided at all costs.
FAQs
This verse states that not only the direct doer, but also the director, instigator, and even the approver become participants in the karma and receive its results repeatedly after death.
In the Uddhava Gītā’s instructions on proper conduct and worship, Kṛṣṇa clarifies ethical responsibility: one must avoid harmful acts not only by doing, but also by causing, directing, or consenting to them.
Avoid enabling wrongdoing—do not order, facilitate, fund, or endorse harmful actions; choose guidance, leadership, and consent carefully, knowing accountability extends beyond the person who “does it.”