In Hinduism, the concept of karma plays a significant role in understanding the interconnection between past deeds and present life. Karma is a fundamental principle that governs the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as samsara. According to Hindu philosophy, every action (karma) has consequences, and these consequences shape an individual's destiny in this life and future lives. There are four different types of Karma.
The idea of karma is deeply rooted in the belief that
individuals are responsible for their actions, and the nature of these actions
influences their spiritual progression. The law of karma operates on the
principle of cause and effect – positive actions lead to positive consequences,
while negative actions result in negative consequences.
Here's a breakdown of how the concept of karma is understood
in Hinduism:
Sanchita Karma: This refers to the accumulated karma from
all past lives. It is the sum total of all actions, both good and bad, that an
individual has performed over countless lifetimes.
Prarabdha Karma: Among the vast pool of accumulated karma,
only a portion becomes active in a particular life. Prarabdha karma is the
subset of sanchita karma that influences an individual's current life
circumstances, including their physical, mental, and social conditions.
Kriyamana Karma: This is the karma that individuals actively
create in their present life. It represents the actions and choices made in the
here and now, shaping future consequences and adding to the overall pool of
accumulated karma.
Agami Karma: Also known as future karma, agami karma is the
consequence of present actions that will affect future lives.
The ultimate goal in Hinduism is to break free from the
cycle of samsara and attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and
death. This can be achieved by living a righteous life, performing selfless
actions, and cultivating spiritual knowledge. The understanding of karma
encourages individuals to be mindful of their actions, fostering a sense of
responsibility and awareness about the consequences of their deeds.
It's important to note that interpretations and beliefs
about karma may vary among different sects and schools of Hindu thought.