Karma has gained significant prominence in contemporary discourse, frequently succinctly encapsulated in the idiom “what goes around comes around.” However, Karma’s true meaning and profound implications stem from ancient Eastern philosophies and religions.
This article explores Karma, its origins, fundamental principles, and types delineated in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Ultimately, it explains how the complex workings of Karma can positively shape one’s thoughts, actions, and path through life.
What is Karma?
The Sanskrit word “karma” literally translates as “action” or “deed,” but it refers to the metaphysical principle of cause and effect – that intent and actions influence future events and repercussions.
Typically, it is discussed in the context of rewards or punishments based on virtuous or harmful deeds across lifetimes, but Karma operates on many levels simultaneously:
“Karma operates not only in the dimension of transmigration of consciousness from one lifetime to another but also in the worldly affairs of the present life.” [1]
So, Karma represents a cosmic law of sequence and chained causality linking thought and behavior to ultimate consequences.
Each living creature’s action is an entirely natural and often uncontrollable performance. The entire purpose of a physical body is to express itself. That expression is neither good nor bad in itself. It becomes good or bad based on the actions, thoughts, and deeds behind it or the energy that guides it to completion.
Karma is not some bondage that ensures you never make a mistake. It is often misused to denote luck, destiny, or fate and to explain sudden hardships.
Confusion arises when people automatically believe and pass on the incorrect belief that Karma is about suffering or paying penance. Then what is Karma? The true meaning of Karma is that it means action. As cliché as this is, imagine the world is a stage. We’re the actors, and life is the script.
We may not have options on what happens in the play, but we do have a choice of how we express the action to the audience and the other actors on the stage. Karma is simply that action. Whether you receive a standing ovation and win an Academy Award or get booed off the stage and blocked from the venue is entirely up to you.
Types of Karma
Ancient Hindu texts describe various categories of Karma that describe fate due to karmic accumulation:
Sanchita Karma:
- The storehouse of total accumulated Karma from all previous incarnations, including past lives
- Includes latent Karma waiting to transition into future lifetimes
Prarabdha Karma:
- Karma of the present lifetime is based on the quality and quantity of Sanchita karma.
- The fate, destiny, or circumstances an individual is born with based on past virtuous or harmful actions
Kriyamana Karma:
- Karma is actively created in the current lifetime through physical, vocal, and mental acts driven by volition, desire, attachment, and ego.
Type Description Impact
| Type | Description | Impact |
| Sanchita | Accumulated karma from past incarnations | Karma waiting to actualize in future lives |
| Prarabdha | Karma shapes current life circumstances at birth | Fate or destiny apportioned from past karma |
| Kriyamana | New karma created in the present lifetime | Future fate dictated by current willful actions |
These karmic “deposits” mutually influence human lives, binding consciousness to the effects of willful thoughts and deeds across lifetimes.
The 12 Laws of Karma
In Hindu spirituality, Karma is governed by the 12 Laws of Karma, which are guiding principles that maintain harmony with the nature of the universe.
In contrast to a mere moralistic framework concerning offenses and penalties, these define Karma as a manifestation of the ultimate unity of creation [2].
Overview of Key Laws
The fundamental laws include:
- The Law of Creation: “Life doesn’t just happen; it requires our participation.” Our thoughts and actions consciously design circumstances.
- The Law of Humility: Egoistic pride causes suffering as all people and achievements are impermanent.
- The Law of Growth: Each situation and obstacle presents an opportunity to improve, learn, and progress.
- The Law of Responsibility: Responsibility for actions and to use knowledge for the good of all.
Ultimately, these frame karma as an expression of unity, compassion, and cosmic order.
How Karma Impacts Your Life
Applied conscientiously, the doctrine of Karma offers guidance for proper thought and action that structures personal growth:
Thoughts and Actions
Karma principles encourage mindful, ethical actions rooted in selfless compassion rather than egoistic desire, as these can shape future circumstances positively or negatively. Each thought, word, or deed forms karmic seeds, generating effects matching the originating impulse.
Relationships and Happiness
Since one’s external world mirrors internal consciousness, performing good works and treating others as one wishes to be treated fosters friendship, harmony, and, ultimately, happiness due to the selfless orientation.
Personal Growth
Viewing adversities as opportunities for growth fosters resilience and hope. Accepting responsibility leads to empowered action versus victim mentality. This supports a mindset of lifelong betterment versus stagnation.
It sounds like a great story, but is Karma real?
Facts inspire the most remarkable stories in the world. So yes, The Universal Law of Karma is real. Judgment plays a massive part in Karma. It’s exceedingly easy to accept personal and surrounding actions that bring about a positive or otherwise happy result.
When those results are negative or cause pain, they’re instantly rejected, and blame is imposed on others. The truth is that we are individually responsible for our actions and, thereby, the results of those actions. “What you sow is what you reap.”
Karma doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t favor your neighbor, co-worker, ex-girlfriend, or boyfriend over you. It is balanced and treats everyone the same over the entire board. Mistakes are part of life, and learning from them is essential to living fully.
We can not change our past deeds any more than we can correct the Karma created from them. However, we can balance some of it through present and future actions and behavior.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
In summary, ancient Hindu and Buddhist karma doctrines provide profound insight into the deep interconnection of thoughts, behaviors, and experiences across lifetimes as governed by cosmic laws that structure reality as we perceive it:
Key Takeaways:
- Beyond the simplistic “what goes around comes around,” Karma represents the sophisticated metaphysical laws animating life’s hardships and rewards based on willful action impelled by volition and desire.
- Sanchita, Prarabdha, and Kriyamana karma describe the fate bestowed, unfolding destiny, and creating the future from past deeds and present choices linked across incarnations.
- Guiding precepts like the 12 Laws frame virtuous thinking and actions as harmony with the profound unity of existence versus crime and punishment.
- Consciously orienting one’s thoughts, relationships, and personal growth around karmic principles supports increased life fulfillment and spiritual progress.
By transcending ego and embracing higher unity and responsibility in each moment, Karma thus elevates ethics and purpose for those seeking meaning in embodied existence.
FAQ:
What is Karma in Hinduism, and how does the law of cause and effect apply?
In Hinduism, Karma refers to the law of cause and effect. Hence, it’s often translated as “action” or “as.” This means that your actions, whether good or bad, will have negative or positive consequences. This concept of good and bad Karma suggests that whatever thoughts or energy you put out comes back to you, following the principle of “what goes around comes around.” It’s a fundamental part of Hinduism and Buddhism.
How can I understand the different types of Karma, and how do they affect my life?
There are different types of Karma, and each plays a unique role in shaping our experiences. Good Karma results from good actions, while evil Karma stems from wrong actions. This can influence your life. It also suggests that you “reap what you sow,” with good actions leading to positive outcomes and evil actions often leading to hard feelings or adverse consequences.
Does Karma only relate to morality in people, or does it extend to inanimate objects?
Traditionally, Karma is associated with sentient beings. Karma refers to the moral law of cause and effect in Hinduism and Buddhism. In other words, your moral actions will bring about corresponding outcomes. Though Karma doesn’t apply to inanimate objects, such belief in Karma encourages mindfulness and responsibility in interactions.
What is the law of creation, and how does it relate to Karma?
The law of creation is one of the concepts known as the 12 laws of Karma, the great law, and the law of cause and effect. It states that we have a role in creating the life we desire. If we want good Karma, we must be proactive in taking good action. This law promotes the belief in the power of our actions, decisions, and efforts to shape our Karma.
What is the role of the law of significance and inspiration in understanding Karma?
The law of significance and inspiration, sometimes called the great law, states that our contributions or “actions” have a ripple effect. If we inspire others to act positively, we add good Karma to our warehouse of Karma. This law suggests that good deeds can proliferate and significantly increase good Karma, inspiring others.
Can you explain the law of humility and how it applies to Karma?
The law of humility, one of the 12 laws of Karma, suggests that for us to change something, we must first accept it. Denying the existence of wrong Karma won’t make it go away. As a component of the law of Karma, it urges us to acknowledge and learn from the experiences associated with our evil Karma rather than avoid or deny them.
How does the law of growth tie into Karma and spirituality?
The law of growth states that we must change ourselves rather than the people or things around us to grow spiritually. This is crucial in Karma as the aim is not to shift evil Karma onto others but to take responsibility for our actions and learn from them to garner spiritual enlightenment. Remember that one thing at a time can be changed, and that’s usually within us.
What is the purpose of the law of connection concerning Karma?
The law of connection, one of the laws of Karma, refers to the connection of past, present, and future. It emphasizes that even if something we do seems inconsequential, it is crucial to our overall life. This teaches us that both good and bad Karma are built on a series of actions and decisions, which are all interconnected.
How does the law of change relate to Karma and personal growth?
The law of change reminds us that history will continue to repeat itself until we learn the lessons that it has to teach us. This directly links to Karma, implying that we must clear our old Karma (learn our lessons) to lead a better and more fulfilling life. Neglecting or ignoring these lessons can bring about negative consequences.
What is the definition of Karma in Hindu spirituality?
Karma refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect, which states that each action or deed an individual performs has corresponding results. In Hinduism, it is essential to understand the concept of “what goes around comes around.” Good actions are believed to result in good Karma, whereas wrong actions usually result in evil Karma.
How does the law of cause and effect relate to Karma?
The law of cause and effect, primarily understood as the “great law” in a spiritual context, is fundamental to understanding Karma. It states that we inevitably reap whatever thoughts or energy we put into the world. This concept suggests the role of Karma as how our actions, good and bad, bring about corresponding consequences in our lives.
How does Karma affect our lives?
Karma affects our lives by determining events that happen in our lives. Good and bad Karma can significantly influence our life experiences, circumstances, and emotional and mental well-being. The role of Karma is to teach through experiences; it encourages us to learn from the experience and adopt mindfulness and moral responsibility in our actions.
Is Karma only a Hindu concept?
No, Karma is not limited to Hinduism. It is also an integral part of other spiritual philosophies, like Buddhism. While the understanding and interpretation of Karma may vary, the fundamental principle of actions having consequences remains a common thread.
What is the law of creation about Karma?
The law of creation accentuates that life doesn’t simply happen but requires active participation to influence events. The principle suggests that our thoughts, actions, and attitudes create karmic energy, thus shaping our experiences and reality.
How does the law of humility affect our understanding of Karma?
The law of humility teaches us that refusing to accept reality often leads to hard feelings and perpetuates the cycles of evil Karma. By fostering acceptance and humility, we allow positive karmic energy to flow into our lives, leading us toward spiritual enlightenment.
What is the significance of the Law of Significance and Inspiration in understanding Karma?
The law of significance and inspiration reiterates that each individual’s contribution is valuable in the grand scheme of life. Every action – “as small as it might seem – contributes to the collective energy, affecting the overall karmic balance. It inspires a sense of responsibility regarding each action we perform.
References
- Obeyesekere, G. (2002). Imagining Karma: Ethical transformation in Amerindian, Buddhist, and Greek rebirth. University of California Press.
- Trattner, J. I. (1974). The 12 laws of Karma. Ozark Mountain Publishing.
