Ask the Swami: Corporate CEOs and the Long Arm of Karma

In Hinduism, real economic development (artha) is wedded to religion (dharma). Only adherence to dharma insures enduring economic well-being. In other words, anyone who is irreligious in his or her efforts for material advancement will lose out in the long run. You can't beat the system. No one escapes the long arm of the law of karma.

There are many beliefs that are central to all branches of Hinduism. These include the belief in reincarnation, and the belief that there is a categorical difference between the body, the soul-consciousness, and matter. Hindus also believe in the revelatory nature of scripture, and that all life is sacred. In terms of practice, all serious Hindus concerned with spirituality cultivate selflessness and chant or hold reverent the Holy Name of God. The sacred syllable OM is also a name or reference to God.

Hindu saints and scripture recommend that meat eating should be avoided altogether because in the course of maintaining one's own life a person should cause as little harm as possible.

Overall, it is more harmful to kill animals for food than it is to eat a vegetarian diet. Grains, fruits, and vegetables are all lower on the food chain than animals and consuming them causes less harm. Although the scriptures state that all living things are conscious, grains, and vegetables are far less conscious of pain than animals.

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