Lack of true knowledge particularly spiritual knowledge is
the cause of the desire motivated deeds including desire motivated religious
performances.
The karmas (desire motivated deeds) have to be worked out
here or hereafter. One is destined to reap the reward of the good and the bad
deeds. The karmas, in turn, cause the future births where one again engages in
the Karmas, and thereby, gets further births. Thus goes on the cycle of
repeated births and deaths with the Agyana (lack of true knowledge) as the
original cause. The removal of Agyana brings Salvation.
Only Gyana (true knowledge), and not the Karmas, can wipe
out the Agyana.
Desire motivated deeds can never dispel attachment or the
orthodox beliefs or ignorance. They only make rebirth a sure consequence. The
wise should therefore endeavor for the realization of the Gyana.
(What is true knowledge as per Hinduism? – It is the
realization that all animate and inanimate is the Supreme Truth. There is no
second.)