What is Karma?

Karma is a Sanskrit word that means action, or deed. It is used to describe the seed of the cycle of cause and effect. It originates in ancient India and is seen in Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist philosophies. In these systems the effects of all deeds are viewed as actively shaping past, present and future experiences. In the west we think of it as “what goes around comes around”.

Who is it that keeps score of Karma, and how is the payback made?

• • Some say it is God that decides and he/she/it is very fair, we get what we deserve. The Christian concept of reaping what you sow is their equivalent to Karma.
  • Others say that there is the Law of Karma (maybe referring to nature?). Most laws of nature have scientific research that “guarantees” their results. So far no one has made karma scientific, and it seems that mostly people “hope” for the result that would come from their actions. Look at many of the most remembered names in history; Alexander the great, Hitler, Napoleon…
  • Some tend to look at karma as more of an individual functioning. Like the Isvara (the god within us), that mostly gives us immediate results. In most cases when we act according to what we consider good, we feel satisfied and happy. In those cases a sense of joy comes to us just by thinking of what we can share with others. When we are angry, acting out of control, when we are jealous or greedy, we often feel mostly frustrated. When looking back, we can find shame, a sense of guilt or dissatisfaction.

In order to realize karma, we need to all agree on what is Good or Bad. Or else, how would it be determined what you get in return?

Do the right thing

Karma today is used so often, that at times it’s horrifying. A yoga student was injured quite seriously and was told by their teacher that it is a good thing since they are clearing their bad karma. A spiritual teacher told one of his students that they deserve their illness, it is part of their cleansing. I see signs at a yoga studio warning against stealing, since it is bad karma. 

Karma, or the result of the action, is not necessarily linked directly to the action itself but more so to the intention of the action. That is why thoughts and words are just like actions. One can hurt or help another just by a thought, a smile, or gossip.

When acting, thinking or wishing, we are living our karma. It should not even matter if karma really exists or not. The act of compassion is doing the right thing. In other words, inherently deep inside, beyond any mask of conditioning, we KNOW what is the right thing to do (or think). We need to act out of that clear instinctive place. Not out of a momentary cloud of anger or emotion, but out of that clear reflection of what is, and how we can be of most support to any situation, being or thing.

Today Karma is used often as a motivation by reward/punishment approach, similarly to how other religions use heaven and hell. In a way it is looking to create good while using fear. Yet fear can easily fall under the category of bad energy, and it is our intention that makes the difference. It is better to find a way to act from a place of positive energy; finding joy in solving a problem and in being of service for another. Sharing love beyond borders and normal standards.

Cultivate kindness and compassion

The core of the spiritual practice is that subtle discernment of what is beneficial to self and others, and what is not; the action of compassion, sharing and accepting.

So how does one cultivate the ability to act from a sense of care, rightness, and ethics – without being motivated by reward or threat (of heaven or hell, good karma or bad, police, laws, shame, fear etc.)?

It is a natural thing for humans to seek joy. To want to be in the place where the unpleasant instances do not lead to suffering. When we act from a place of intuition, of compassion and generosity towards everything else (our bodies included), we then can be in a place of constant joy. It is a place where we let go of the roller coaster of happiness and sorrow, and we can live in a state of bliss, even while sitting on the dentist’s chair.

It is helpful to notice when desire or craving drive our actions, to recognize the desire to control karma as the root of suffering. Notice the motivation, do you, at the most subtle level, expect something in return?

In order to take decisions from a place of intuition and clarity, we need to be fully present to what is, to see reality without the filters of our minds, without projections.

Bottom line

Karma, don’t worry about it! Just do your best without calculations.

Inspired by a meeting with Mary at my Dharma Share, by Osho’s writings and living life.

Share with Loving Intentions

What do you think about karma? Leave us a comment and let us know how you think it works! Share this article with some friends and let’s start a discussion!

Come and join us for a yoga retreat or yoga teacher training at Doron Yoga & Zen Center in beautiful Guatemala.

For more information on yoga theory and philosophy, have a look at the Doron Yoga Manual. Packed with ideas on how to apply theories like this one into your daily life.

Blissful Living,

Doron