KARMA YOGA

Do you believe in Karma? Does every action truly have an impact?

Karma is the universal law of cause and effect.

It is a Sanskrit term that translates to "action" or "deed." In the philosophical sense, karma refers to the concept of cause and effect, where one's actions in the past, present, and future have consequences. According to the law of karma, every action creates an energetic imprint that influences future experiences and outcomes. Positive actions are believed to generate positive karma, leading to favourable results, while negative actions produce negative karma, leading to undesirable consequences. Karma is not only about the actions we take but also the intentions and attitudes behind those actions.

The Bhagavad Gita also emphasises the concept of "Karma" and its impact on the soul. It explains that individuals are bound by the consequences of their actions, and these actions (Karma) have an influence on the soul's journey and evolution. The choices and actions one takes in life can either lead to spiritual growth and liberation (Moksha) or further entanglement in the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).

In the Bhagavad Gita, karma is depicted as the law of action and its consequences. Lord Krishna emphasises the importance of fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities without attachment to the results. This teaching is often referred to as "Nishkama Karma" or selfless action.

Lord Krishna encourages Arjuna, who is reluctant to fight in the Kurukshetra War, to embrace his duty as a warrior and act without attachment to the outcome. Krishna explains that it is not the action itself that binds a person but rather the attachment to the results and the ego-driven desires associated with those results. By performing one's duties with a selfless attitude, offering the results to a higher power, and recognising the impermanence of worldly outcomes, one can attain liberation and spiritual growth.

It is the belief that every action we take, whether physical, verbal, or mental, creates an energetic imprint that influences our future experiences and outcomes. In other words, our actions generate a kind of moral energy that returns to us in some form. It is similar to the popular saying “what goes around, comes around”.

The understanding of karma encourages us to be mindful of our actions and intentions, fostering a sense of responsibility for the choices we make. It emphasises the importance of positive qualities, such as kindness, generosity, and ethical behaviour, as they can contribute to accumulating good karma and creating a more positive future.

Karma is often seen as an ongoing process that extends beyond a single lifetime. It is believed that the consequences of our actions can manifest not only in the present life but also in future lives through the concept of reincarnation. In this sense, karma provides an explanation for the inequalities and variations in people's circumstances and life experiences. It also acts as a reminder of the impermanence of all situations. The idea that the conditions we find ourselves in will pass as our karma changes. Whether life is as we imagined it or not, this too shall pass.

Try to think of them as bank accounts, a good karma account and a bad karma account. Be mindful of their balance and try to save more in the good.