Karma

Karma is a concept derived from Indian philosophy and religion, which refers to the causal relationship between an individual's actions and the resulting consequences. In other words, good actions lead to positive consequences, while bad actions lead to negative consequences. It is often explained as "what you sow, so shall you reap" and "what you give, so shall you receive".

 

Etymology and meaning of karma

 

• Karma is a Sanskrit word meaning 'action' or 'deed', and is a concept that includes not only the action itself but also the consequences of that action.

 

• It occupies an important position in Indian religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, and is closely connected to the reincarnation of human life (the cycle of life and death).

 

How karma works

 

• The law of cause and effect: This is the principle that all actions are followed by corresponding consequences. Good causes lead to good consequences, and bad causes lead to bad consequences.

 

• Three Causes and Effects (三世因果): Karma affects the past (previous life), present (this life), and future (next life). In other words, past actions create the present, and present actions determine the future.

 

• Retribution (業報): The accumulated results of karma are called karma, and they can affect not only an individual's life but also the next life.

 

Types of Karma

 

In Hinduism, karma is classified as follows:

 

• Sanchita Karma: The sum total of karma accumulated over multiple lives

• Prarabdha Karma: Karma that affects the present life

• Kriyamana Karma: The actions currently being performed become the karma for the future

 

Meaning and Role of Karma

• Karma does not mean judgment, but balance. In other words, karma provides an opportunity to realize the consequences of our thoughts, actions, and waves, and acts as a guide, traffic light, and milestone that shows the direction of life.

 

• The law of karma emphasizes personal responsibility and self-inflicted consequences (you get what you do), and motivates us to live a good life.

 

• Ultimately, in Buddhism and Hinduism, the goal of practice is to escape the bondage of karma and achieve liberation (freedom).

 

Summary

Karma is a concept that explains the causal relationship between all human actions and their consequences, and is the principle of life that "you reap what you sow." It is not simply revenge or judgment, but contains the principles of balance, enlightenment, and self-responsibility. Correctly understanding and practicing karma is considered a path to ethical living, self-growth, and ultimately liberation.