At one level, yes. Because thinking is also a form of activity, and every activity comes under the jurisdiction of karma, we are accountable for our thoughts. 

At another level, no. Because of important extenuating factors. We aren’t usually deemed culpable for things beyond our control; and thoughts are frequently beyond our control. Which thoughts arise within whom why isn’t easy to know. 

Just as some physical situations arise outside us due to factors beyond our control, certain mental emotions may also arise inside us due to factors beyond our control. For example, we aren’t held culpable if the world around us suddenly becomes afflicted by a pandemic that eventually infects us. Yet we are expected to take adequate precautionary measures. And if we are careless in neglecting the symptoms and end up infecting others, we will be considered responsible. Similarly, we may not be held culpable if anger arises within us when our culture is permeated with resentment, hate speech and rioting. However, if we give in to that anger and act destructively, we will be held culpable.

How, then, can we understand our accountability for our thoughts? Through a broad reconciling principle: thoughts frequently arise due to factors beyond our control, but they don’t usually grow to domineering levels without our feeding them through our contemplation, imagination and intention. Pointing to this twofold dynamic, the Bhagavad-gita both asserts that the workings of karma are complex (04.17) and enjoins us to tolerate our urges (05.23). Therefore, rather than obsessing inconclusively over whether bad thoughts comprise bad karma, we can focus on taking as much responsibility as possible for what we do with our thoughts. 

One-sentence summary:

We may not be responsible for the occurrence of bad thoughts within us, but we are responsible for their dominance over us. 

Think it over: 

  • Why might thoughts be considered within the jurisdiction of karma?
  • What extenuating factors question our culpability for our bad thoughts?
  • How can we reconcile various points about our accountability for our thoughts?

***

05.23: Before giving up this present body, if one is able to tolerate the urges of the material senses and check the force of desire and anger, he is well situated and is happy in this world.