What is the Origin of Karma?
Karma refers to the cycle of cause and effect that governs human life.
But, that isn’t how it started.
The idea of Karma first appears in the oldest Hindu text, the Rigveda, with a limited meaning of ritual action. This idea was extended to philosophical ideology in the later Upanishads, where it was linked to actions and their consequences. Karma in simpler terms is the idea that your actions, both good and bad, have consequences. Good actions can lead to positive experiences, while bad actions can lead to negative ones. This concept is often summarized by the saying "what goes around comes around."
In Western ideology, consequences to actions are given out by a divine force.
However in Hinduism, Karma is independent of God and is just a causal energy of the universe that spans multiple lifetimes. In other words Karma is like a natural law of the universe, similar to gravity. Just as gravity pulls objects towards the earth, karma can influence your future experiences based on your past actions.
In Hinduism, there are 3 forms of Karma:
- Sanchita Karma - not been manifested yet
- Prarabdha Karma - to be experienced in this life
- Kriyamana Karma - to be experienced in the future (ie: next lifetime)
Symbols of karma
Several symbols are associated with karma, including:
- The Wheel of Life: This symbol represents the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, which is influenced by karma.
- The Lotus Flower: The lotus flower symbolizes purity and enlightenment, which can be achieved through understanding and practicing karma.
- The Eternal Knot: This symbol represents the interconnectedness of all things, which is a key principle of karma.
Karma has no expiration date but…
Once your Karma is equalized and there is none left to be accumulated and reaped in the future, your soul can attain salvation because you are freed from the cycle of rebirth and can reach Nirvana. Everything that is happening to us is a result of our past karma. Until and unless we have sowed and reaped for all our deeds, the cycle of rebirth will continue.
Can your karma be reversed?
Possibly, if you…
- Cultivate detachment (vairagya) and higher values (viveka)
- Perform your ordained duties with no desire for personal gain
- Drop your ego
Karma and Dharma
Dharma is another important concept in Hinduism and Buddhism. It refers to your duty or purpose in life. By following your dharma and acting in accordance with your values, you can create positive karma and contribute to a better world.
How karma affects your life
Karma can affect your life in many ways. It can influence your relationships, your career, your health, and your overall well-being. By understanding the concept of karma, you can make more conscious choices that can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.
How to attract good karma
While there's no guarantee of attracting good karma, there are some things you can do to increase the likelihood of positive experiences:
- Be kind and compassionate: Treat others with kindness and compassion, even when it's difficult.
- Practice generosity: Give to others without expecting anything in return.
- Be honest and truthful: Live your life with integrity and honesty.
- Focus on personal growth: Strive to become a better person through learning and self-reflection.
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Modi Toys is a children's brand of toys and books inspired by ancient Hindu culture. We exist to spread joy and to spark curiosity in the next generation through our innovative soft plush toys, illustrated children's books and free learning resources. Our weekly Theology Thursday series covers a wide range of topics rooted in Hinduism to help us better understand the origins of traditions, the symbolic meaning of rituals, and the stories behind Hindu holidays and festivals. The more we can understand "the why" behind this 4,000 year ancient religion, and make sense of it in this modern age, the greater we can appreciate and preserve our rich Hindu culture. While we take great care in thoroughly researching the information presented, we may occasionally get some things wrong. We encourage a healthy and open dialogue so we can learn together. Please leave a comment below or email us directly at support@moditoys.com to address any concerns.
