Talk:Reducing Bad Karm and Adding Good Karm:Augmenting Good Karm:Rites of Passage (Saṃskāra-s)

By Vishal Agarwal

Throughout the life (and during the pre-natal stage as well) of an individual, numerous rites of passage are prescribed in the Hindu scriptures. Performance of these rights serves a dual purpose – addition of puṇya and also reduction of Kārmic defects.

Performance of purifying Homas, Jātakarma, tonsure ceremony and investment of the sacred thread – these ceremonies purify the defects inherited genetically from both the parents. Manusmriti 2.27 The defects of male seed and mother’s womb are pacified through the performance of samskaras. Yajnavalkya Smriti 1.13a The significance of these rites of passage is explained by a modern Hindu scholar in the following words-

“Hindu samskaras create an atmosphere conducive to the training of the mind for inculcating virtuous tendencies. Just as soap and shampoo remove dust and dirt from one’s body, samskaras eliminate uncontrolled sensual desires of the mind, such as anger, greed, and pride. They direct the mind toward the path of righteousness, truthfulness, compassion, kindness, and generosity. The performance of the samskaras creates a divine environment that is spiritually uplifting for all the participants, and provides an opportunity for the family members, friends, and relatives to get together and rejuvenate their relationships.”

One can refer to the previous section 11.6 also in this regard.