Women’s Participation in Rural Development

This book provides a critical conceptual analysis of the concepts of karma, dharma and moksha which constitute the key features of religious, cultural, ethical and philosophical thoughts of the Hindus, the Jains and the Bauddha’s. The book discusses various philosophical issues pertaining to these concepts in an analytical manner without showing any disrespect to any religious and philosophical systems of the Hindus, the Jains and the Bauddha’s. It has been argued on the logical ground that the doctrine of karma suffers from its own inherent contradictions. But it does not rule out the possibility of human freedom and the attainment of moksha. The concept of karma does not preserve a single meaning in the Indian religious, cultural and ethical heritage. Its meaning has been changing at different stages. It has been also argued through the analysis of the concept of niskama karma that doing of any dharma does not make it either moral or immoral. It becomes moral only when dharma itself is moral. The concept of niskama karma is a teleological concept. It is not a deontological concept like the Kantian concept of duty as it is generally understood by many Indian scholars. We all face moral dilemma in our day-to-day’s life. This book provides a solution to this problem. The author also argues on the rational ground that we can solve religious conflicts by secularizing our religion and can live a better and happier life for which we all aspire. Its simple analytical style makes it useful not only for students and teachers of philosophy but also for general readers who have keen interest in the Indian religious and cultural traditions. Most of the topics of this book are included in the under-graduate and post graduate syllabi of many Indian Universities.