Karma is a concept found in several Eastern philosophies and religions, notably Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The term itself comes from the Sanskrit word “karman,” which means “action” or “deed.” At its core, karma refers to the principle of cause and effect, where a person’s actions (good or bad) will eventually influence their future experiences.
Here’s a breakdown of how karma is understood in these traditions:
Hinduism
In Hinduism, karma is linked to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). Good deeds and righteous living accumulate positive karma, which can lead to favorable rebirths and spiritual progress, whereas bad deeds generate negative karma, resulting in less favorable conditions in future lives. The ultimate goal is to achieve moksha, or liberation from the cycle of samsara, by purifying one’s karma through righteous living and spiritual practice.
Buddhism
Buddhism also embraces the concept of karma, emphasizing the idea that our actions, intentions, and decisions shape our future experiences. However, Buddhism focuses more on the intention behind the actions. Good karma arises from compassionate and mindful intentions, while bad karma stems from ignorance and harmful intentions. The goal is to attain enlightenment (nirvana) by overcoming the cycle of karma and suffering.
Jainism
In Jainism, karma is seen as a physical substance that attaches to the soul (jiva) and affects its journey. The accumulation of karma, whether good or bad, binds the soul to the cycle of birth and rebirth. The Jain path involves rigorous ascetic practices and ethical living to cleanse the soul of accumulated karma and achieve liberation (moksha).
Sikhism
Sikhism acknowledges karma as a natural law but emphasizes devotion to God and living a life of humility, compassion, and justice. Sikhs believe that while karma influences one’s experiences, divine grace (hukam) and the remembrance of God play a crucial role in spiritual progress and liberation.
In a Broader Context
In modern usage, “karma” often refers to the idea that “what goes around, comes around”—meaning that good or bad actions will eventually lead to corresponding outcomes. This popular interpretation emphasizes personal responsibility and the ethical implications of one’s actions in everyday life.
In essence, karma is about the interconnectedness of actions and their consequences, urging individuals to act with mindfulness and integrity. — Written by ChatGPT
Here are some of The Quip Collection’s karma items.
