History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c95.363

v7.c95.363

Another objection is often raised that belief in the doctrine of Karma would make men callous to human misery and suffering and unwilling to help. This also is a perverse idea. From the ancient Vedic times charity and compassion have been inculcated as the duties of all men without distinction. The Ṛgveda (X 117. 6) sage declares 'that man who cooks food for himself and eats it himself alone simply incurs sin' (kevalāgho bhavati kevalādī). The Bṛ. Up. V. 2. 3 prescribes for all men the three duties viz. self-restraint, charity and compassion. If a man having the means to help another does not offer help he would be failing in his duty. It is possible that the result of the sufferer's Karma might have been meant to be mitigated by the kindness of helpers