The Doctrine of Karma: Its Psychosocial Consequences
Author(s)
Omprakash, S.
Abstract
Social change programs necessarily affect and are affected by the ideologies of the helpers and the recipients of help. The Hindu doctrine of Karma prescribes proper actions for all living beings according to their positions in life. The doctrine is intimately involved in the caste system and tends to perpetuate it, including the perpetuation of poverty. Based on interviews with 60 members of the lower caste in one Hindu village, the study points out how the doctrine of Karma can interfere with efforts at modernization and development.
