Karma
कर्म (Karma)
“How do intentional actions shape our destiny, character, and spiritual evolution?”
Canonical Definition
Karma literally means "action", "deed", or "work". Philosophically, it refers to the universal law of ethical causality: every deliberate action creates an imprint (samskara) that bears commensurate fruit (phala) in this life or future lives.
Sanatana Dharma classifies karma into three streams: Sanchita (the total accumulation of past karmas), Prarabdha (the portion of past karma currently maturing to form our present circumstances), and Agami/Kriyamana (the actions being performed right now with free will). Understanding Karma dispels fatalism: since our current state was crafted by past choices, our future can be actively transformed through righteous, conscious decisions today.
Cultivating mindfulness before speaking or acting, releasing anxiety about outcomes, and dedicating one’s daily labors selflessly to the welfare of others (Lokasangraha).
☸Philosophical Schools & Interpretations (दर्शन भेद)
Nyaya-Vaisheshika School
universalKarma operates under the moral governance of Ishvara (God), who dispenses karmic fruits equitably based on the moral worth of deeds.
Samkhya-Yoga School
universalKarmic imprints reside in the subconscious mind-field (Citta) as latent seeds that ripen into birth, lifespan, and pleasant or painful experience.
Vedanta School
advaitaThe cycle of karma binds only the ego-identity. When one realizes non-dual identity with the changeless Atman, the fire of Jnana burns away all accumulated karma.
📜Scriptural Passages (शास्त्र प्रमाण)
यथाकारी यथाचारी तथा भवति — साधुकारी साधुर्भवति, पापकारी पापो भवति । पुण्यः पुण्येन कर्मणा भवति, पापः पापेन ॥
“According as one acts, so does he become. By doing good, one becomes good; by doing evil, one becomes evil. One becomes virtuous through virtuous action, and bad through bad action.”
Significance: The prime Upanishadic statement establishing character and destiny as direct fruits of deliberate deeds.