The Concept of Karma

karma translates from Sanskrit as "action." This word is also a root for the word karman, which means "to act" or "to perform." However, karma is a complex concept, and it is largely used for psychological explanations of behavior. In classical Indian traditions, karma is considered to be a causal law, which operates without an external ruling agency.

The first reference to karma in a specialized usage was in the Upanishads, which are Vedic scriptures dealing with philosophical study of being. The Vedic theologian Yajnavalkya made a statement in the middle of the 1st millennium bce that he believed in the concept of karma. At the time, the belief was considered to be esoteric.

Ayu karma prevents the soul from utilizing its innate power. It also keeps the soul trapped in a particular life. It is similar to the habitual Karma, which is like a reserve fund for a particular being. It can be diminished by attempting to break it. A person may be born in a new body after death, based on his/her karma.

Vedaniya karma produces pleasure, pain, and sensation. It obstructs the soul from finding pure happiness in itself. It also prevents the soul from realizing essential knowledge. It prevents the soul from knowing the details of the object. It prevents the soul from communicating with others, and it inhibits the soul from using its innate powers.

Gyanavarniya karma prevents the soul from articulating the nature of an object, from sensory knowledge, and from telepathy. It also prevents the soul from realizing the five types of knowledge, and it prevents the soul from achieving its ultimate goal.

There are four types of karma: individual, group, bad, and good. The group karma is a result of a group's actions. It is usually invariably a member of the same species.

The individual karma is a result of committing a good or bad deed. The good deeds have positive effects in the future, while the bad deeds have negative effects. The sum of the karma reflects the person's form in the next lifetime. It is also the cause of the person's personality traits.

The bad karma is the result of a bad deed. It includes murder of an Arahant, the wounding of a Buddha, and permanent scepticism. It can be physical, verbal, or mental. Depending on the nature of the karma, the soul's form will either become better or worse. It can lead to social inequalities, health problems, poverty, or a number of other negative consequences.

The moral aspects of karma have become increasingly important in theological discourse. A person who lives according to the 12 laws of karma increases the chances of good things happening to him/her. A person who lives in accordance with the moral types of the Supramundane Path Consciousness is more likely to eliminate ignorance and eradicate root causes.

Forgiving hurt is an important aspect of spiritual growth. Understanding why you were hurt, and accepting that you can't change it, is the first step.