Karma Facts: Learn About Spirituality And Hindu Culture

Every action is met with a consequence, this is the fundamental principle of karma.

The word karma is derived from the Sanskrit word 'karam' which means 'action.' Karma is defined as the law of cause and effect.

According to the theory of karma, whatever happens in a person's life happens because of their own actions, either in this life or the past life. This idea of karma comes from the oldest Hindu script, the Rigveda.

Later, the concept of karma became a very important part of different religious teachings including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. This spiritual concept encourages people to focus on their own actions.

Philosophy Of Karma

The universal governing law of karma, according to many, says that the way we speak or act initiates a force that will create an equally strong reaction. It means every time we think, act or feel something, we put out an energy into the universe. This energy determines the course of our future.

In Hinduism, it is a popular belief that everything that is happening to us is a result of our past karma. Hinduism believes in rebirth or in the reincarnation of a soul. It says that until and unless we have sowed and reaped for all our deeds, the cycle of life will continue, and the soul cannot attain salvation.

This philosophy of karma became widely popular and crossed the boundaries of religion. It teaches you detachment, acceptance, awareness, mindfulness, and can help to connect together the past, the present, and the future.

In many branches of Indian philosophy, karma serves two major functions. It motivates you to lead a righteous life, and it explains the existential questions of our being.

Also, an individual who achieves enlightenment and leads a moral life can free themselves from the clutches of bad karma by transforming challenges into opportunities. The quest for karma lies in intelligent action and unemotional response.

Karmic Beliefs Of Different Religions

The philosophy of karma is shared across multiple religions. It is deeply rooted in the teachings of Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. The beliefs of karma have been mentioned in holy scriptures like the Bhagwad Gita.

In Christianity, the beliefs of heaven and hell also align with the concept of karma. Many believe that they who do good deeds and believe in the good shall go to heaven, and a person driven by negative thoughts and actions shall pay their debt in hell.

In the Hindu religion, people believe in reincarnations of the soul. The same belief spread to Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and other religions across the globe. However, the very first mention of karma comes from the Rigveda, an ancient Hindu script.

Many religions vest their belief in a supernatural energy. However, according to the concept of karma, this supernatural energy rests within the being. The energy that we throw into the universe through our thoughts, words, actions, and intentions find their way back to the soul.

In some religions it is believed that the an individual leading a life of misery and sacrifice is actually paying the debt of bad karma accumulated over several lifetimes. In many Eastern belief systems, it is said that karma can affect the actual form of reincarnation.

Award And Punishment

The principle of karma is beyond the concepts of award and punishment. Most people think karma acts as a means of suffering, but some also believe it can bring an end to our pain.

For these people, karma does not judge, punish, or reward people. It is not imposed by God or a supernatural being. It simply obeys the energies that you release.

The theory of karma also implies that your good karma or bad karma cannot have an effect on another person's future. However, some texts in the Hindu and Buddhist religions also say that karma can be shared. The good or bad deeds of parents and ancestors can influence a child's life.

Another facet of karma is that the good karma and bad karma cannot cancel out each other. Your good acts will reap good results, but this cannot prevent misfortunes in your life which may have been set in motion by an action of the past.

Understanding these basics regarding the philosophy of karma enlightens many who believe that the power of writing their life rests in their own hands. Some studies have shown that such a belief helps people release anger and resentment, which not only has mental benefits but also physical benefits.

For many, having faith in karma can boost positive thinking and make them more responsible for their actions and mistakes.

FAQs

What is a belief regarding karma?

One commonly-held belief regarding karma is that it affects everyone.

What are the eight karmas?

Jainism defines eight types of karmas. They are:

Jnanavarniya

Darshanavarniya

Antaraya

Mohniya

Nam

Gotra

Vedniya

Ayushya

What are the three types of karma?

The three types of karma are as follows.

Prarabdha karma: This is that particular part of your past karma that has begun to take effect in the present.

Sanchita karma: Sanchita karma is the sum total of all karmas from all past incarnations. Prarabdha karma is a subset of Sanchita karma that's ripe for reaping.

Agami karma: This is the karma of the present that frames the future of this life and that of future lives.

What is true karma?

It is believed that true karma is the goodness in intent and the effect of an action.

What are the nine tattvas?

According to Vedic scriptures, the nine tattvas mentioned are as follows.

Jiva which means soul.

Ajiva refers to non-living matter.

Punya means good deeds.

Pap means evil deeds.

Asrava is the influx of karma.

Samvar is the stoppage of karma.

Bandh is the bondage of karma.

Nirjara is the eradication of karma.

Moksha is the final liberation.

How does karma begin?

It is believed that the cycle of karma begins with the formation of the very first cell of an entity.

What is a karmic cycle?

Many believe that the universal law suggests that every action and thought emits an energy into the world. The energies that you are emitting form your karmic cycle.