In Advaita Vedanta, Naishkarmya represents a profound state of being, characterized by the absence of all karmas or rituals and actions. This term holds significant importance within the Advaita Vedanta tradition, encapsulating the notion of liberation known as jivanmukti, which is the attainment of freedom while still inhabiting a physical body.
The performance of karmas, whether they are actions or
rituals, is considered possible only when an individual perceives the world
through the lens of duality, which is brought about by avidya or nescience.
Avidya veils the true nature of reality and the self, leading individuals to
engage in actions prescribed by scriptures or perceived duties. However, with
the destruction of avidya through atma jnana, which is direct experiential
knowledge of the atman or the Self, one realizes the entirety of existence as
an undivided pure consciousness, often described as sat-chit-ananda
(existence-consciousness-bliss). In this state of realization, there arises an
absolute incapacity to engage in any form of karma.
The mindset of the realized being, who perceives the entire
universe, including oneself, as inseparable from pure consciousness, is termed
'naishkarmya' or 'naishkarmya bhava'. It signifies a state beyond the realm of
actions, where the individual is untouched by the influences of karma due to
the realization of the non-dual nature of reality.
However, it's essential to understand that the performance
of actions ordained by scriptures, executed with the right attitude, leads to
chitta shuddhi or the purification of the mind. This purification is a crucial
step on the path to realization. Only an individual endowed with such a
purified mind is considered fit to pursue jnana (knowledge), ultimately leading
to the eradication of avidya. The destruction of avidya, in turn, culminates in
the attainment of naishkarmya, wherein the individual abides in a state of
absolute freedom beyond the realm of action and reaction.