Question: We can become vegetarians, parcels of God, etc., but at the same time we all are involved in different activities, different types of work as we need money. But money involves karma.
Answer: Oh, that’s a statement based on your opinion and understanding, but it’s not exactly correct. You can dovetail every activity you perform with God’s will provided you stay within the boundaries of His instructions.
Some jobs, like the one it was just referred to where the person was working in the meat industry somehow, that’s outside of God’s instructions. So yes, there is karma there.
Everybody has to work. In Bhagavad-gita the Lord says, “Everybody has to work,” but you dovetail that work. “Do it as an offering to Me.”
So you have to survive so you work your job, you make your money, you need the money for your existence. Well, that is understandable. But what is this existence? What is this life that you are maintaining?
If there is just a self-centered life of enjoyment, then yes, it’s karmically involved. But if the life you are maintaining is a life of service to God, then it’s all part of your devotional service.
That’s the science of life, you know how to act. This you must learn. “OK, I have to work. Fine. So does everybody.” But what you do with your money? How do you use this money?
Yes, you need your necessities, it’s not like you have to live some hugely austere life. But if you use your time and your energy someway connected with God’s service, then you are living a transcendental life.
It’s all of part of this teaching – how to do it.