Question: Krishna says “I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.” However I have heard that it is not possible to escape from Karma at all. Therefore, what does this mean? Is it a white lie to encourage people to come back?
I have committed a lot of sin that I am not proud of and repent everyday. The thought of having to repay them is overwhelming. One of the primary reasons for embracing Krishna Consciousness was this deliverance. However, it does not seem certain that I could escape the effects of this Karma at all.
Answer by Romapada Swami:
Lord Krishna, who is the fountainhead of all virtues and religious principles, and the scriptures are never untruthful or speak hyperboles simply to attract or induce people. Nor are the laws of nature working independently. The laws of material nature are indeed very stringent and difficult to counteract by ordinary means. But the Supreme Lord is above all the laws; He is the law-maker. Nature and karma act under the supervision of Krishna. Thus by His mercy, Krishna can easily nullify the karma of those truly surrendered unto Him – and in fact He does it as promised.
Even in ordinary state laws, when a criminal who is condemned by the law, no one can excuse him, not even the judge; but he can be pardoned by the king or chief executive head. What then to speak of Krishna, the Supreme Controller.
Of course, one should not take Krishna’s mercy for granted or as an easy excuse to keep committing sins and hope to be delivered – that constitutes the 7th offense to the Holy Name. But if you sincerely repent for your past misdeeds, and moreover the root cause which led you to commit those sins, viz. your forgetfulness of your relationship with Krishna, and if you sincerely serve Krishna while leading a pure life, most certainly Krishna will deliver you from all karma. Trust in this fact and do not fear!
