Karma

Karma is a concept in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism that refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect. It is believed that a person's actions in this life will determine their fate in future lives. The term "karma" is derived from the Sanskrit word "kri," which means "to do."

Origins and Development

The concept of karma originated in ancient India and is a key element in many Eastern religions. It was first mentioned in the Upanishads, a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts that contain some of the central philosophical concepts of Hinduism.

Concept

Karma is often misunderstood as a system of punishment and reward, but it is more accurately described as a natural law of the universe that guides the rebirth cycle. The karma produced by a person's actions determines their status in their next life. Good actions, which result in good karma, can lead to rebirth in a higher form, while bad actions, which result in bad karma, can lead to rebirth in a lower form.

Types of Karma

There are three types of karma in Hindu philosophy: Sanchita (accumulated karma), Prarabdha (fruit-bearing karma), and Kriyamana (current karma). Sanchita is the total of one's past karmas, Prarabdha is that portion of past karma that is responsible for the present, and Kriyamana is the karma that humans are currently creating.

Karma in Different Religions

While the concept of karma originated in Hinduism, it is also a fundamental idea in Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, although it is interpreted differently in each religion. In Buddhism, for example, karma is not viewed as a punishment or reward but rather as an inherent part of existence.

See Also

• Reincarnation
• Dharma
• Moksha