Question and answer 27

Disciple: Some say that only karma joined with upāsanā, together with knowledge, brings the fruit.

Guru: Karma rests on the notion that a self other than the body is doer and enjoyer, and on the notion that doer, deed and fruit are different from one another. Its fruit is saṃsāra, which does not last. The Self is unattached; its nature is Brahman. Knowledge is seeing that doer, deed and fruit are not other than the Self. Its fruit is liberation, which is eternal. So how can the two go together?

Disciple: Some say karma with upāsanā and knowledge, only when combined, are the cause of the fruit, do they not?

Guru: The knowledge 'the self distinct from the body is doer and enjoyer' and the knowledge of the difference of doer, action and fruit are the cause of karma; its fruit is impermanent saṃsāra. The Self is unattached, Brahman by nature. 'Doer, action, fruit, these are not other than the Self' is knowledge; its fruit is eternal liberation. Therefore, how can these two go together?