Karma

Karma Definition: The concept of karma in Eastern religions refers to the belief that one's actions and behaviors in this life can influence future outcomes either positively or negatively.

Types of Karma: There are three types of karma, namely Sanchita karma, Prarabdha karma, and Agami karma. These karmas refer to the past, present, and future actions that determine an individual's destiny.

Karma Yoga: Karma yoga is a spiritual path that emphasizes performing one's duties selflessly and without attachment to the outcome of one's actions. It teaches that one can attain spiritual liberation by performing all actions as an offering to God.

Karma and Reincarnation: The concept of reincarnation in Eastern religions is closely linked to karma, as it is believed that one's karma determines the nature of one's next life.

Karma and the Law of Cause and Effect: Karma is often referred to as the law of cause and effect, which means that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. This law is thought to apply not only to individuals but also to societies and even the universe as a whole.

The Role of Intention in Karma: The intention behind an action is believed to be just as important as the action itself when it comes to karma. It is said that good intentions can help mitigate the negative effects of bad actions, while bad intentions can make even good actions bad karma.

Karma and Dharma: Dharma refers to one's duty or purpose in life, and it is closely linked to karma. It is believed that fulfilling one's dharma is essential to creating positive karma and moving towards spiritual liberation.

Karma and the Four Noble Truths: The concept of karma is also central to Buddhist teachings on the Four Noble Truths, which state that suffering arises from craving and attachment, and liberation can be attained through the cessation of craving and attachment, which is achieved through following the Eightfold Path.

Karma and the Three Universal Truths: In Hinduism, karma is one of the three universal truths, along with dharma and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). The three truths are interconnected and interdependent, with karma being the cause and effect of one's actions in the world.

Karma and the Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita is a Hindu scripture that teaches about the path of karma yoga and the importance of fulfilling one's dharma. It is a central text for understanding the concept of karma in Hinduism.

Karma and Morality: The concept of karma is closely linked to morality, as it is believed that ethical behavior can create positive karma while unethical behavior can lead to negative karma.

Breaking Negative Karma: While the karmic effects of past actions cannot be undone, it is believed that one can break the cycle of negative karma by performing good deeds, cultivating positive intentions, and following a spiritual path.

The Limits of Karma: Finally, it is important to understand that karma is not deterministic and that individuals have the power to shape their own destiny through their actions and intentions. While past actions do influence the present and future, free will and personal agency also play a role in shaping one's life.

Sanchita Karma: This type of karma includes all the actions and thoughts accumulated in previous lives. It is the sum of all past karma and can have a significant effect on the present and future lives.

Prarabdha Karma: This is the karma that determines the present life's circumstances and experiences. It is the karma that is ripe for experiencing in one's current life.

Agami Karma: This is the karma that is currently being created by a person's actions and thoughts. It determines their future destiny and can be positive, negative or neutral.

Kriyamana Karma: This is the immediate karma that results from an action in the present. It can be positive or negative and can have an immediate impact on a person's life.

Vartamana Karma: This karma pertains to the present moment and the actions and thoughts happening in the current time. It determines the present and future experiences.

Parabdha Karma: This type of karma explains the unfolding of the karma in one's present life. It is determined by the combination of all the previous types of karma and manifests in one's experience in the present.