LAW OF KARMA

What is Karma?

Karma is a term that you may have heard before. It probably brings to mind the idea of “what goes around, comes around.” To some extent, this is accurate, but the Sanskrit word “karma” simply means “action” or “deed.” or Karma is the process where our actions lead to outcomes, shaping our experiences.

According to Hindu philosophy, every action (karma) has a reaction or outcome. When an individual’s actions are positive or selfless, and righteous (dharmic), they will experience positive effects or rewards. If their actions, on the other hand, are negative (i.e. lying, stealing, hurting, etc.), the results will be negative. The karma of an individual’s actions, positive or negative, may be experienced immediately, later in their present life, or possibly in a future life or lives. It is important to remember that an individual’s karma is based on their thoughts, words, and actions and the choices they make.

There are Three Types of Karma:

● Kriyaman Karma - These are actions performed in the current life that may produce results in the same or subsequent life. Some forms of current karma are also known as agami karma.

● Prarabdha Karma - This is karma whose effects have already begun. It takes longer to

manifest, but occurs at some point in an individual’s present lifetime.

● Sanchita Karma - This is accumulation of all past karma, and the results of this usually occur in a future lifetime.

Law of Karma:

The law of karma is very much verifiable in real life. We all have seen in our own lives, and in nature too, that we reap what we sow. Our successes and failures are mostly products of our own thoughts and actions. If we think positively and act positively, very likely we will succeed. On the contrary if we think and act negatively, very likely we will bring negativity and suffering upon ourselves.

The Law of Karma is a principle found in various Eastern philosophies, particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It suggests that every action has consequences, and these consequences are determined by the nature of the action. Essentially, good actions lead to positive outcomes, while bad actions lead to negative ones.

Here are the key ideas behind the Law of Karma:

1. Cause and Effect: Karma is often described as a law of cause and effect. Every action (whether physical, verbal, or mental) creates an energy that will eventually come back to the person who performed the action.

2. Intentions Matter: Not only the action itself, but also the intention behind it is crucial. For example, helping someone with a genuine heart has a different karmic effect than helping with a selfish intention.

3. Karma is Not Immediate: The effects of karma may not be immediate, and sometimes they may manifest in future lifetimes, which is why some believe in reincarnation. In some interpretations, karma can accumulate over several lifetimes.

4. Balance and Justice: Karma is viewed as a way of ensuring that there is balance and justice in the universe. Even if someone appears to "get away" with bad actions in the short term, karma ensures that their negative deeds will eventually catch up with them.

5. Personal Responsibility: The Law of Karma encourages people to take responsibility for their actions. It emphasizes self-awareness and mindful living, urging individuals to act with compassion and integrity.

6. Not Punitive, but Transformative: Karma is not about punishment but about transformation and learning. Negative karma may offer a chance for growth, allowing individuals to reflect on their actions and make better choices in the future.

In essence, the Law of Karma teaches that we are responsible for the energy we put into the world, and the world responds accordingly.

Effect of Thoughts on Karma:

Every action is preceded by thoughts. The most powerful instrument that a human soul is gifted is the thought power. Thoughts build your consciousness, shape your attitude, and then design your life. One needs to know how important thoughts are. Every human creation we see in this world is due to the powerful thoughts of a human mind brought alive. The quality of our thoughts designs our world. Thoughts are fertilized by our knowledge, our root belief system. A person with a certain kind of knowledge usually creates thoughts in harmony with that knowledge. Then someone who has imbibed spiritual knowledge would most likely create pure, powerful thoughts in harmony with his original nature.

The quality of thoughts determines the quality of our karma. Karma in turn is rewarded back to us in the future. So right thinking based on the right knowledge is the recipe for beautiful and lasting relationships, and living a peaceful and contented life. Raja Yoga meditation 'elevates' our vibrations/thought energy in harmony with the supreme being (God) and hence at first our inner world of thoughts becomes beautiful. This also helps in remaining mentally strong amidst turbulent situations. Finally the same is reflected in our outer world also. Everything starts to become right. We begin to do righteous karma, which harms no one and uplifts anyone who comes in contact.

Then our karma begins at the level of thought. Therefore, to re-design your life you must begin the transformation in your thinking, in your perspective. It is the spiritual wisdom that helps in achieving this transforming. And also the practise of remembering and using our original virtues in daily living.