The contribution of Nishkama Karma in the philosophies of Shankara, Ramanuja, and Madhva on social cohesion

Abstract

Nishkama Karma literally translates to ‘desireless action’ and is the Hindu concept of desireless, selfless, and detached action. This concept is best articulated in the Bhagavad Gita 2.47, which speaks of the performance of prescribed duties without attachment to the fruit of those actions. Nishkama Karma is a prominent concept of the Karma yoga spiritual path of Hinduism. As such, Nishkama Karma is of great significance in understanding Hindu concepts of spirituality and salvation. Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, and Madhvacharya are commonly referred to as the guru-trio- of South India. These three acharyas are well known due to their profound contributions to the Vedantic school of Hindu philosophy. The three acharyas, although living in different periods, engaged the philosophies of one another and made significant contributions to Hindu philosophy and Indian communities at large. Their contributions to Hindu philosophy and the development of Indian societies make them persons of interest when exploring the broad spectrum of Hindu philosophy. This thesis examines the concept of Nishkama Karma in the philosophies of the three acharyas toward assessing the contribution that Nishkama Karma makes to advancing social cohesion. This thesis conducts a pre- and post- commentary (by the three acharyas) comparison of Nishkama Karma in the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita (the Prasthanatrayi). Therefore, evaluating the contribution of the three acharyas to the development of Nishkama Karma. The principles of desireless-ness, selflessness, and the performance of prescribed duties in Nishkama Karma are examined in the commentaries of the three acharyas on the Prasthanatrayi. The comments made by the three acharyas contribute to the understanding of the development of Nishkama Karma as a practice that enhances liberation, promotes community involvement, and advances social cohesion. This thesis draws on the principle of selflessness in the concept of Nishkama Karma toward developing a link between Nishkama Karma and altruism and empathy. The principle of selflessness in Nishkama Karma is evaluated as an altruistic and empathetic concept that relates to similar concepts found in other religious traditions. This contributes to the existing discussion on the role of Hinduism in interfaith discussions about the role of religion in social cohesion and sustainable community development. Furthermore, this research recommends the formation of policies that enable the practical application of Nishkama Karma toward enhancing the role of Hinduism in interfaith discussions about the role of religion in social cohesion.