When you hear this word… what thoughts does it invoke in you? Karma means different things to different people. The dictionary definition for Karma (noun) is — (as per Hinduism and Buddhism beliefs) the sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences. The informal or loose interpretation is — destiny or fate. This cannot be further away from the original teachings. A fundamental tenet of Buddhism identifies Karma with…. “Cause and Effect”.

We are all familiar with Newtonian concepts of Physics and the Physical laws of Cause and Effect. Karma as related to Cause and Effects transcends the physical (measurable) entities and covers all aspects of the intangible – spirituality, feelings, sensations, etc. As per the Sanskrit language, Karma meant “Actions”, i.e. to do something, which causes a change.

Philosophically, Karma is a chain of actions, which covers our entire existence. Your past, present and future are all ‘chained together’ and your future will depend upon your past and present ‘actions’ or karma. The concept of spiritual and physical existence is important here. Although our physical existence has start and stop events, our spiritual existence is one vast blackboard with our actions (both good and bad) scribbled all over time. There is a continuity here and a belief that all your actions will have an effect, even if it is in a future existence.

So what is the takeaway here? The basic concept of your ‘karma’ transcending across multiple physical life spans, and affecting your future existences – is a powerful belief system, which not everyone may subscribe to. Different Belief Systems use their own teachings to guide one through the pitfalls of life and inculcate strong values of right and wrong.

Belief in the core concept of Karma – is for the same reason. Imagine a believer, whose life is lived with the basic tenet of karma as their north star. Such a person will automatically stay away from any actions/karma, which may be wrong – with the belief/fear that it may affect their life in the future. A good action in their future life may not happen, because of the baggage of bad karma they have accumulated from the past. This can only be a good thing. Following the beliefs of karma (even if you restrict it, to your one physical life) can only benefit you – as it will dissuade you from bad actions in the present, which may affect your future.

Another benefit of being a karma believer is that when something bad happens to you in your present – you accept it and move on… as an effect of a cause from your past. You are responsible for whatever bad happened, due to some action in your past. Most folks would fret, fume, complain, and try to rationalize to themselves … that it was not their fault. Your teachings and belief in karma, softens the impact of bad actions that happen in your life and minimize their impact – allowing you to accept what has happened.

Since what goes around, always comes around….. avoiding undesirable actions/thoughts against anything/anybody for starters, can only be a good thing. Fill your life with good actions towards everything/everyone around you. Imagine the stash of good karma you have in your back pocket…. To contest and knock off any potential future undesirable events.