In Hinduism, the concept of karma is deeply intertwined with the broader philosophical framework of Sanatana Dharma (often referred to as Hinduism). Karma, originating from ancient Vedic texts, is a fundamental principle that governs the cycle of life, death, and rebirth (samsara) and shapes one's destiny.
Definition and Nature of Karma:
Bhagavad Gita: "Karman, O Arjuna, has been declared to be of three kinds, arising from thought, word, and deed." (Chapter IV, Verse 42). This verse describes the three types of karma – mental, verbal, and physical – highlighting that every thought, word, and action carries karmic consequences.
Yajur Veda: "He who does good work reaps good; he who does evil work reaps evil. ... Good work cannot produce evil result, nor evil work good result." (Yajur Veda 40.1) This passage emphasizes the principle of cause and effect inherent in karma, stating that one's actions inevitably determine their future experiences.
Meaning: Accumulated Karma. Refers to the sum total of all Karmic seeds (actions and their potential consequences) from all past lives.
Analogy: Think of it as a vast reservoir of possibilities, like seeds waiting to be planted.
Influence: While you don't experience all Sanchita Karma in one lifetime, it sets the general tone of your circumstances and challenges.
Transformation: Sanchita Karma can't be erased, but through conscious living and spiritual growth, you can influence which seeds from this reservoir manifest in your present life.
Meaning: Allotted Karma. Represents a portion of Sanchita Karma that is currently shaping your present life experiences, like the hand you're dealt in a game.
Analogy: It's like picking a handful of seeds from the Sanchita reservoir to be planted and experienced in this lifetime.
Influence: Prarabdha Karma determines your basic circumstances, such as family, social background, and initial opportunities.
Transformation: While you can't change your Prarabdha Karma entirely, you can still make choices within its framework, responding to situations wisely and cultivating positive thoughts and actions.
Meaning: Actionable Karma. Refers to the karma you are creating every moment through your thoughts, words, and deeds in the present.
Analogy: Imagine planting new seeds every day, shaping your future experiences.
Influence: Kriyamana Karma has the most immediate impact on your life, influencing your relationships, career, and personal growth.
Transformation: This is where you have the most agency. By consciously living according to Dharma (righteousness) and focusing on positive actions, you can sow good seeds for a fruitful future.
Meaning: Future Karma. Represents the potential consequences of the seeds you're planting through Kriyamana Karma in the present.
Analogy: Think of it as the sprouts emerging from the seeds you just planted, hinting at the future harvest.
Influence: Agami Karma doesn't actively shape your present, but it offers a glimpse of what may come if you continue on your current path.
Transformation: By being mindful of your actions and cultivating virtues, you can guide the direction of Agami Karma, ensuring a flourishing future.
The four types of karma are interconnected. Sanchita sets the stage, Prarabdha provides the initial framework, Kriyamana gives you agency in the present, and Agami hints at the future you're creating.
The goal is not to blame Sanchita or Prarabdha for your struggles, but to use Kriyamana as a tool to cultivate positive karmic patterns and ultimately transcend the limitations of karma through spiritual knowledge and liberation.
Manas Karma (mental karma) refers to the karma that arises from thoughts and intentions. It is the most subtle form of karma, but it can have a profound impact on our lives. Our thoughts create our reality, and our intentions shape our actions. Examples of Manas Karma:
Thinking negative thoughts about others, such as anger, hatred, or jealousy.
Having negative thoughts about ourselves, such as self-doubt, self-judgment, or self-pity.
Having selfish intentions, such as wanting to control others or get ahead at their expense.
Having selfless intentions, such as wanting to help others or make a positive difference in the world.
Vachaka Karma (verbal karma) refers to the karma that arises from spoken words. Our words have the power to create or destroy, to heal or harm. They can also be used to express our thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Examples of Vachaka Karma:
Speaking kind and compassionate words.
Speaking truthful and honest words.
Speaking words of wisdom and inspiration.
Speaking words of anger, hatred, or violence.
Speaking words of gossip, slander, or deception.
Kaya Karma (physical karma) refers to the karma that arises from physical actions. Our actions reflect our thoughts and intentions. They can be used to create positive change in the world or to cause harm. Examples of Kaya Karma:
Helping others in need.
Protecting the environment.
Practicing non-violence.
Engaging in harmful or destructive activities, such as violence, crime, or addiction.
The Three Types of Karma Together: Manas, vachaka, and kaya karma are interconnected. Our thoughts, words, and actions all influence each other. When we have positive thoughts, we are more likely to speak kind words and take actions that are beneficial to others. When we have negative thoughts, we are more likely to speak hurtful words and take actions that are harmful to others.
The Goal of Karma: The goal of karma is to understand the law of cause and effect and to use our actions to create positive karma. When we create positive karma, we create a better future for ourselves and for the world.
How to Create Positive Karma: Here are some tips for creating positive karma:
Be mindful of your thoughts, words, and actions.
Choose to think kind, compassionate, and truthful thoughts.
Speak kind, compassionate, and truthful words.
Take actions that are beneficial to others and to the world.
By following these tips, we can create a positive karmic cycle that will lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.