Though karma is a familiar concept, it is far more complicated to understand the ways of karma. Here we define karma simply and give ways to deal with it.
There is no part of this world untouched by some kind of concept relating to karma. Every religion has an interpretation of how God or the universe operates with our individual karma concerning good and bad actions. Even science has a perspective on karma! However, understanding the complexities of karma can be a bit overwhelming. If only understanding karma were as simple as reading a karma definition in a dictionary. Here are a few to start with.
Wikipedia: Karma is a concept of action, work, or deed and its effect or consequences.
Oxford Dictionary: The sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.
Dictionary.com: The cosmic principle according to which each person is rewarded or punished in one incarnation according to that person's deeds in the previous incarnation.
Read these increasingly complex karma definitions, and many questions start to arise. Let’s take a closer look at the different perspectives to simplify the complexities of karma.
How religions see karma
Islam
The Quran makes it clear that we will be rewarded for our good deeds and punished for our sins, but not necessarily in our earthly life. Allah holds us responsible for our evil deeds and remembers our righteous acts, smiling favorably on them. The righteous will earn blessings in this life but infinitely more in the hereafter.
Christianity
One common Bible quote, “As you sow, so shall you reap,” paints a simple picture of the law of karma.
The Bible is also known for another karma quote, “An eye for an eye.” Leviticus explains further, “Just as another person has received an injury from him, so it will be given to him." (Lev. 24:19–21). This ties into yet another Bible quote, “Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord,” which indicates that wrongs will be dealt with. In other words, karma should not be our concern when it comes to others and should be left to God and how the universe works.
Buddhism
In the Buddhist tradition, karma refers to actions driven by intention, an action deliberately taken through body, speech, or mind, which leads to future consequences. It is also believed that these karmas determine the cycle of rebirth.
Hinduism
The word karma originates from the ancient Hindu text Rig Veda, the oldest philosophical and religious text collection. According to Vedic mythology, the Law of Karma was revealed to the rishis by the gods and written into the Rig Veda during the Bronze Age, around 1500 BCE.
Karma in Hinduism is sub-divided into four categories:
Prarabdha karma- ripe, mature, or current karma
Sanchita karma- past lives or stored karma
Agami karma- future lives or forthcoming karma
Vartamana karma- present or karma that is being done
You can also think of the seeds of karma as having different germination timings. An alfalfa seed will sprout almost overnight. In contrast, a mango seed takes many years to bear fruit. Which karma is which seed is a mystery.
Another one of Hinduism’s most sacred texts, the Bhagavad Gita, says that “karma is unfathomable.” I think we can all agree that karma is mysteriously unfathomable!
How science sees karma
The physics of cause and effect helps to explain karma through a scientific lens. In particular, Newton’s third law, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” In other words, no action is without consequence.
Another law of physics, the Butterfly Effect, emphasizes that everything is connected. The things we do can impact others without us even realizing it. This idea is like karma, which says that small actions can significantly affect our lives and others.
How spirituality sees karma
If you are feeling a tad confused, watch this five-minute video where spiritual teacher and global humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar explains the meaning of karma and reincarnation simply.
How to improve your karma
Aside from taking more right actions and avoiding known karmic pitfalls, there are some things you can do to nullify bad karma and increase good karma. You can experience a karmic shift by adding these things:
Volunteer and be of service to others.
Donate money to charity.
Meditate regularly.
Chant Om Namah Shivaya, a Sanskrit mantra. Whereas the word “Om” is the sound of the universe, “Om” also resonates as peace and love. “Namah Shivaya” harmonizes the five elements in the environment. And where there is peace, love, and harmony in all the five elements, there is bliss and joy within you and all around you.
Increase contentment.
As Gurudev mentions in the video above, contentment leads to liberation. But how do you increase contentment? The easiest way to increase contentment is to practice SKY Breath Meditation. Research has shown SKY increases life satisfaction, enhances optimism, and increases self-esteem and joy!
You can learn SKY by registering for the Art of Living Part 1 course here. I have been practicing SKY for decades and enjoying contentment regardless of whatever is happening in my life. SKY can help you feel more contentment irrespective of your karma.
