What is Karma?
The word Karma (เคเคฐ्เคฎ) comes from the Sanskrit root “Kri,” meaning “to act” or “to do.” It’s the principle of cause and effect—every action we take generates a corresponding result. But Karma isn’t just about rewards and punishments; it’s about understanding our choices and their consequences.
The Three Types of Karma
According to the Vedic scriptures, Karma is categorized into three types:
1. Sanchita Karma – The accumulated karma from all past lives that has yet to manifest.
2. Prarabdha Karma – The portion of past karma that is currently shaping our life experiences, including our birth and circumstances. Prarabdha Karma is the driving force behind the current life’s experiences. It's what shapes a person's birth, family, health, and challenges. It’s said that certain events in life are not random, but are based on the actions we performed in past lives.
3. Kriyamana (Agami) Karma – The karma we create in this life, which will influence our future. Agami Karma is particularly important in the context of spiritual growth because it highlights the role of free will and conscious action. By performing dharmic (righteous) actions, one can create positive Agami Karma, reducing future suffering and leading towards liberation (moksha).
This means that while some aspects of our life are influenced by past actions, we still have the power to shape our future through present choices.
Let me explain this by a different analogy of an archer and arrows
• Sanchita Karma – A quiver full of arrows (all accumulated karma).
• Prarabdha Karma – The arrow already released (destiny unfolding in this life).
• Agami Karma – The arrow we are about to shoot (new karma we create through our present actions).
Even though we cannot recall an arrow that has already been shot (Prarabdha), we can choose how we release the next one, influencing our future. This is why self-awareness, dharma (righteous living), and spiritual practices are emphasized—to create positive Agami Karma and eventually break the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara).
The Law of Cause and Effect
The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered Hindu texts, highlights the inescapable consequences of our actions. In Chapter 4, Verse 17, Lord Krishna says:
เคเคฐ्เคฎเคฃो เคน्เคฏเคชि เคฌोเคฆ्เคงเคต्เคฏं เคฌोเคฆ्เคงเคต्เคฏं เค เคตिเคเคฐ्เคฎเคฃ: |
เค
เคเคฐ्เคฎเคฃเคถ्เค เคฌोเคฆ्เคงเคต्เคฏं เคเคนเคจा เคเคฐ्เคฎเคฃो เคเคคि:
This means that one must understand not only action but also inaction and wrongful action. True wisdom lies in knowing when and how to act while remaining unattached to the results.
Free Will and Responsibility
Hindu philosophy acknowledges the role of destiny (Prarabdha Karma), but it also emphasizes free will. We are not just passive recipients of fate; we have the power to make conscious choices that shape our future. Every action today plants the seed for tomorrow.
The Power of Intention (Bhava)
It’s not just about what we do but why we do it. The Vedic scriptures teach that intention plays a crucial role in the karmic outcome. Actions performed selflessly or as an offering to the Divine do not create binding karma. This aligns with the concept of Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action described in the Bhagavad Gita.
Karma and Rebirth
The law of Karma underpins the cycle of Samsara—the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Our accumulated Karma dictates our circumstances in future lives, including our family, socio-economic status, and even spiritual opportunities.
How to Transcend Karma
The ultimate goal in Hindu philosophy is to attain Moksha—liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Here’s how:
• Karma Yoga – Perform selfless actions without attachment to results.
• Align with Dharma – Live righteously and fulfill your duties.
• Practice Bhakti (Devotion) – Surrender to the Divine to transcend past karma.
• Engage in Meditation & Reflection – Develop awareness of your thoughts and actions.
• Embrace Acceptance – Accept life’s experiences as a reflection of past karma and learn from them.
Scriptures That Discuss Karma
Several ancient texts discuss the law of Karma:
• Bhagavad Gita – Teaches Karma Yoga and detachment from results.
• Upanishads – Offer deep insights into Karma and its relation to the soul.
• Manusmriti – Provides ethical guidelines for right action.
• Mahabharata – Contains stories illustrating Karma in action.
• Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – Discusses Karma in the context of spiritual growth.
Practical Takeaways
To integrate Karma theory into your daily life:
• Engage in selfless service – Help others without expecting anything in return.
• Be mindful of your actions – Your choices shape your future.
• Align with Dharma – Fulfill your responsibilities with sincerity.
• Accept life’s events with equanimity – Everything happens for a reason.
• Focus on spiritual growth – Move beyond material attachments.