Role of karma in Indian motivation

Abstract

The differences in prosperity of different parts of the world and of the same parts different points in time remain an unexplained mystery Economists, anthropologists I historians have put forward factor endowments, climatic conditions and a number of causes to explain this. Behavioural scientists have instead looked at psychological and social variables for answers.

This paper joins the ranks of those that have sought to explain the mystery through pious factors. The crux of this paper is that a large part of the difference in development India vis-a-vis the rest of the world can be attributed to Hinduism. Similarly, references in the economic well-being of India at different stages of her history can also explained when studied in the light of the religious influences that existed at each stage. The first question is explained (assuming link between motivations, achievement economic growth) by contrasting characteristics of India with those of Achieving societies: David McClelland, after an extensive study of Achieving Societies had described them in terms of a number of features. Some of which are • Anti-traditionalism • Specificity of role relationships • Achieved vs. ascribed status • Rationality and planning vs. magic • Attitude to time • Attitude to risk • Individual Responsibility It is evident from the above that Indians/Indian society don't lit the bill on most of accounts, It would be natural but hasty to conclude that Hinduism which has spiritual for then economic heights as its ideal, is the culprit.