Karma

What the texts say

In the Bhagavad Gita, the Lord says no one remains even for a moment without action, and calls the creative outflow that brings forth beings karma. Bhagavad Gita 3.5, 8.3 The Gita teaches that entitlement is to action alone, never to its fruits. Bhagavad Gita 2.47 The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad says that desire shapes intention, intention shapes action, and action ripens into destiny. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.5 The Chhandogya Upanishad says those of noble character tend toward higher births, and those who live in degrading ways toward darker ones. Chhandogya Upanishad 5.10.7 The Gita also says the fire of knowledge reduces all actions to ashes. Bhagavad Gita 4.37