The Spiritual Science of Karma

Have you ever wondered why bad things happen to good people? Why do some seem to have it easy, while others struggle no matter how hard they try? Is it just random, or is there something bigger at play?

The answer lies in the Vedic concept of Karma, a cosmic principle that governs our lives. Karma represents the universal law of cause and effect. Every action, whether good or bad, has consequences that ultimately shape our lives and future experiences. This principle is famously mirrored in Newton’s Third Law, which states, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” The law of karma governs the spiritual journey, with every thought, word, and deed carrying consequences.

The Bhagavad Gita (4.17) states, “The intricacies of action are very hard to understand. Therefore, one should know what action is, what forbidden action is, and what inaction is.” Karma is not just about the outcomes, it is about the intent and the process of action itself. Even the smallest acts have far-reaching consequences, and inaction can hinder spiritual growth. Our karma shapes not only our current lives but also influences our future and spiritual evolution.

Karma is shaped by three fundamental aspects of human nature: Ichha (Desire), Jnana (Knowledge), and Kriya (Action or Will). It begins with desire, which sparks contemplation, followed by action. Each desire leads to a thought, and each thought leads to an action, creating an ongoing cycle of karma that manifests in both this life and beyond. 

Ancient Vedic scriptures categorize karma into three distinct types, each with a unique impact on our lives. Sanchita Karma refers to the accumulated sum total of all actions from past lives that are yet to be experienced. Prarabdha Karma, a portion of Sanchita Karma, manifests in the present life, influencing circumstances such as birth, family, and significant events. Kriyamana Karma is the karma we create in the present through our thoughts, words, and actions, shaping our immediate future.

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (4.4.6) states, “It becomes virtuous through good acts and vicious through evil acts.” While we cannot alter past karma (Sanchita), we do have the power to shape our present and future by aligning with righteousness and Dharma. As already mentioned, karma is not only about actions; it is also deeply tied to the intentions behind them. As the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad teaches, “A person consists of desires, and as is his desire, so is his will; and as is his will, so is his deed; and whatever deed he does, that he will reap.” This highlights that both the action and the intention behind it determine the karmic result.

The Bhagavad Gita (2.47) advises, “Perform your duty without attachment to the results,” urging us to purify our intentions by acting in accordance with Dharma, free from attachment to the outcome. While karma influences our lives, it does not negate free will. Past actions may shape our current circumstances, but we still have the ability to make wise choices and realign with Dharma. As demonstrated by Yudhishthira’s unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and duty, even after immense hardship and betrayal, conscious, righteous actions can transcend the influence of past karma, leading to the restoration of one’s kingdom and alignment with the righteous path.

While karma governs the lives of most beings, there are exceptions. According to the Srimad Bhagavatam, individuals such as children and mentally challenged adults are not fully bound by the consequences of karma, as they cannot fully comprehend it. Their karma is carried by their guardians until they reach a certain age (usually 14). Compassionate care and guiding them toward spiritual practices, such as encouraging them to listen to Krishna’s names, and eat offered food can help purify their karmas as it is emphasised in Bhagavad Gita 9.30-31.

This principle of karmic progression extends beyond humans to the lower species, where beings are believed to purify their negative karma and gradually ascend to human life. This process can be compared to a criminal who must face the consequences of their actions after a life of unlawful freedom. In contrast, those residing in the heavenly realms enjoy the rewards of their accumulated good karma until it is exhausted, after which they are reborn on Earth. As described in Bhagavad Gita (9.21) “After enjoying heavenly pleasures, they return to this mortal world once their rewards are spent.”

Interestingly, modern psychology has also explored the concept of karma, recognizing its influence on human behavior. Studies suggest that individuals with strong beliefs in karma are more likely to engage in ethical and prosocial actions. For instance, research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that people who believe in karma tend to be more compassionate and ethical. Additionally, a study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that individuals with a belief in karma are less motivated by self-interest, often engaging in selfless acts. These studies suggest that belief in karma may foster personal growth and ethical decision-making. For those on the healing path, karma serves as a reminder that each compassionate action contributes not only to one's own development but also to the well-being of others.

Unfortunately, this concept of karma is sometimes distorted in spiritually abusive contexts. Some abusers manipulate karma to control victims, claiming that their suffering is the result of past bad actions. This misinterpretation deepens the victim's sense of guilt and shame, preventing healing. Dr. David R. Loy highlights how such distortions of karma contradict the compassionate teachings found in the Mundaka Upanishad and Yajurveda. True karma is about guiding individuals toward personal growth and transformation, not about punishing the victim. It should always be seen as a personal journey of evolution, not as a tool for manipulation.

A deeper understanding of Karma is provided by the concept of reincarnation. According to the Upanishads, the soul is eternal, undergoing cycles of birth and rebirth. As the Bhagavad Gita (2.13) teaches, “As the embodied soul continuously passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death.” This means that the soul carries the imprints of past actions across lifetimes, and our karmic actions influence not just a single lifetime, but future births as well. Reincarnation ensures that the effects of karma extend beyond one life, with the actions we take shaping our future incarnations in an ongoing cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. However, through the practice of Dharma, living in alignment with divine principles and performing virtuous deeds, we can break free from this cycle. Ultimately, by transcending the effects of karma, we can attain Moksha (liberation) and be freed from the limitations of physical existence. Anyone, through pure devotion, can become an eternal servant of Krishna in Goloka, experiencing eternal bliss in the divine presence of the Lord, free from the cycle of birth and rebirth. 

As Bhagavad Gita (8.6) states, “Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, O son of Kunti, that state he will attain without fail.” This highlights how our state of consciousness at the time of death determines the nature of our next life. If we are absorbed in material desires at death, we may be reborn in similar conditions. Spiritual practices, such as chanting Krishna’s holy names, are crucial for purifying the mind and ensuring that our last thoughts are focused on the divine. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes this, with Krishna advising that chanting His name helps prepare the mind for death. Srila Prabhupada, in his commentary, states that the last thought at the time of death is very important, for it determines the next life. Therefore, one should always think of Krishna and try to remember Him at all times. By sincerely chanting the Hare Krishna mahamantra, we can maintain spiritual focus throughout life and at the time of death, aligning with Krishna's divine presence and ultimately attaining liberation from the karmic cycle.

As Krishna reveals in the Bhagavad Gita (18.66), “Abandon all religions and surrender to me alone. I will save you from all sinful actions. Do not fear” Through sincere devotion to the divine, we can rise above the cycle of karma, find peace and  achieve spiritual awakening.

I pray that as you walk your path of understanding karma, you find the strength to live with integrity, the courage to love unconditionally, and the peace that comes from a soul aligned with divine purpose.

Hare Krishna. 🙏

Asht Sakhi Vrind Devi Dasi
(Annu Pandey)
Author and Psychologist