Karma is a fundamental concept in Hindu Philosophy, referring to the law of cause and effect that governs the actions of individuals and their consequences. The word Karma comes from the Sanskrit root “kri,” meaning “to do” or “to act.” In its broadest sense, Karma encompasses all actions—physical, mental, and emotional—and the moral repercussions that follow from these actions, shaping an individual’s present and future experiences.
Key Aspects of Karma:
- Law of Cause and Effect:
• Karma operates as a universal law of cause and effect, where every action performed by an individual generates a corresponding reaction. Good actions lead to positive outcomes, while harmful actions result in negative consequences. This principle is sometimes summarized by the phrase, “As you sow, so shall you reap.”
- Types of Karma:
• Hindu philosophy recognizes different types of Karma:
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Sanchita Karma: The accumulated Karma from all past lives that has yet to bear fruit.
• Prarabdha Karma: The portion of Sanchita Karma that has begun to manifest in the current life, shaping one’s circumstances and experiences.
• Agami Karma: The Karma that will be generated by actions performed in the present life, affecting future lives.
- Impact on Rebirth (Samsara):
• Karma plays a crucial role in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (संसार Saṃsāra). The accumulated Karma from previous lives determines the circumstances of one’s current life, including factors like birth, life experiences, and even the nature of future rebirths. The cycle continues until the Karma is exhausted or transcended.
- Moral and Ethical Dimension:
• Karma is closely linked to the moral and ethical behavior of individuals. It is not just the outward action that matters but also the intention behind it. Actions motivated by selflessness, compassion, and truthfulness generate good Karma, while actions driven by greed, anger, or hatred lead to bad Karma.
- Liberation (Moksha):
• The ultimate goal in Hindu philosophy is to transcend the cycle of Karma and achieve Moksha, or liberation from the cycle of Samsara. This liberation is attained by realizing one’s true nature as आत्मन् Atman (the soul) and its unity with ब्रह्मन् Brahman (the universal consciousness), which leads to freedom from the binding effects of Karma.
Karma in Daily Life:
Karma influences all aspects of life, including personal relationships, professional endeavors, and spiritual practices. Understanding and consciously practicing good Karma—through right thoughts, words, and deeds—can lead to a more harmonious life and spiritual progress.
Karma and Other Indian Philosophies:
The concept of Karma is not unique to Hinduism; it is also a central tenet in other Indian religions such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, though interpreted differently in each tradition. Despite these differences, Karma is universally understood as a guiding principle for ethical living and spiritual evolution.
Hindu Philosophy
Karma