VIKARM

Vikarm is that where one neither performs the ritualistic actions of the Vedas, nor engages in devotion. In this category come those people who are atheistic and grossly materialistic, and who have contempt for God, the Saints and the scriptures. For those who engage in vikarm, the result of their frivolous deeds is suffering in hell. They neither go to heaven nor attain God-realization. As long as they are alive, they remain slaves of their senses, and perform irresponsible and unregulated actions. After death:

“Asureem…” (Bhagavad Geeta 16.20)

The Bhagavad Geeta says that God throws them to hell, into the demoniac species of life.” Generally, this vikarm is referred to as sinful activity or bad deeds, and karm is referred to as righteous activity or good deeds.

The truth is that both good and bad deeds are binding. The Vedas state that the result of good deeds is heaven, and that of bad deeds is hell. A mixture of both good and bad deeds results in rebirth on earth. Heaven may be compared to a jail with golden chains. Even upon going there, one is not outside the jailhouse of the 8,400,000 species of life. After residing there, one falls back to the earth. Hell may be compared to a jail with iron chains. Heaven and hell are places where one goes to suffer or enjoy the results of his past deeds. However, there he cannot perform fruit-yielding action that will increase his stock of good or bad deeds. Hence, both heaven and hell are to be rejected.