How many times have you heard the word 'karma'? Poems like "Sins are sweet as honey when done - suffering is fierce as fire when endured" and sayings like "What you do will bear fruit" are very close to our daily lives, aren't they? So what exactly is this karma? Does it really affect our lives? Let's talk about this in a little more detail .
Simply put, karma is the concept of cause and effect. That is, you get the results of your actions. The idea is that "good things come to those who do good, and bad things come to those who do bad." This is a topic that is deeply discussed in Hindu and Buddhist philosophies.
What is the difference between karma and dharma?
Another word we often hear when talking about karma is 'dharma.' Let's see what the difference is between the two.
- Dharma: Simply put, this is the practice of living in a good, moral way. It is based on the belief that there is some order, some law, in the universe, and that we should live according to it. Dharma includes things like treating others with kindness, compassion, and fulfilling our responsibilities properly. It means that we have the ability to choose what is right and act accordingly.
- Karma: This is a little different. Karma is the result of your actions and choices. There is always a good or bad outcome to what you do. So, karma is the belief that if you do good things with good intentions, your future will be good.
Simply put, dharma means 'what should be done', and karma means 'what is received for what is done'.
What are the symbols related to karma?
There are several special symbols associated with Buddhist philosophy and the concept of karma.
- Endless Knot : This is a beautiful pattern made of intertwined lines. Some say it represents our endless cycle of birth, suffering, death, and rebirth. It also represents the idea that everything in this world is interconnected, and the infinite wisdom and kindness of the Buddha.
- Lotus: The lotus flower grows in a puddle of mud, but without getting wet, it rises from the water and blooms beautifully. This represents our spiritual journey. It symbolizes coming from the mud of suffering to a place of beauty, comfort, and wisdom through experience and learning.
- Lungta or Wind Horse: This is a drawing of a horse that appears to be flying, surrounded by wind. It represents luck and success. A high level of your Lungta means you are healthy, lucky and successful. It is believed that when it is low, problems and misfortunes can occur.
- The Wheel of Life: This represents many of the teachings and ideas of Buddhist philosophy. The ring in the middle of this wheel symbolizes karma. On the left side, it shows how people ascend to higher realms due to their good deeds, and on the right side, it shows how people descend to lower realms due to their bad deeds.
How does karma work?
Karma refers to actions done with good intentions . Imagine, you help a helpless person on the street. That action leaves a mark in your mind. When such good marks accumulate, when you need help, the chances of getting help increase. Similarly, if you intentionally do something bad or harmful to someone, you may suffer the consequences.
Let's understand this with another simple example. If you plant a mango seed in your yard, you expect a mango tree to grow, not an orange tree, right? Karma is the same. If you sow good things with good intentions, you can reap the harvest of happiness. If you do things with bad intentions, you will reap the harvest of problems.
But sometimes you might think, "How can people who do such bad things be so happy and powerful? How much trouble must that good person be in?" At times like these, it's hard to believe in karma. Many people think of karma as something that's like an illness, something that they can't control .
But remember, when you have a health problem, the most important thing is to see your doctor immediately and get the necessary treatment, rather than thinking that it is due to karma. It is good to have a mental strength in the belief in karma, but never forget about medical solutions.
There is another side to this belief. Some people help others without any limits. They even put aside their own goals and hopes and dedicate themselves to others. While this is a good thing, when they do everything without thinking about themselves, they can also fail in their lives.
Are there different types of karma?
Yes, karma can be divided into several main parts.
| Type of karma | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Personal and collective karma | Personal karma arises from what an individual does alone. But when a group of people do something together (e.g., a religious group meditating together), collective karma arises. |
| Good karma and bad karma | Good deeds done to others result in good karma (kusala karma), while deliberate, harmful, and hurtful deeds result in bad karma (akusala karma). |
| Sanchita Karma | This is like a storehouse of karma. It is a collection of all the actions we have done from our past lives to the present. It is believed that this is where our knowledge and abilities come from. |
| Prarabdha Karma | This is the portion of that karmic storehouse that we have been given to experience and enjoy in this lifetime. We believe that we receive this portion only as much as we can bear. |
How to accumulate good karma?
If you believe that "what you do is what you get," there are several ways to attract good things into your life. Following these will make you feel mentally relaxed and positive.
- Be kind: Do everything you do with kindness. Treat everyone you meet with kindness. When you spread kindness , you are more likely to receive the same kindness in return.
- Help others: Help others whenever you can. It doesn't have to be a big help. Just being a good friend who listens at any time is also a big help.
- Love all living things, including animals: Respect and love even the smallest creatures. It is believed that loving living things will give you a long life.
- Donate: Help the needy through charity. Donating helps you get help from others when you need it.
- Be grateful: Be happy and grateful for your life and the things you have. Even while meditating, keep this gratitude in mind and meditate.
- See victory and defeat as the same: Celebrate the victories of others with joy. Accept your own defeats with humility. Then you too will receive the support of others in victory and defeat.
Take-Home Message
- Karma is the results of your actions (what you think, say, and do). It is based on the principle that "good deeds bring good results, and bad deeds bring bad results."
- This is not scientifically proven, but this belief motivates many people to live a good, kind life.
- Karma is not something beyond your control. You can accumulate good karma through your actions and intentions.
- When something like a health problem arises, don't just leave it to karma, but definitely see a competent doctor and get proper treatment. It's good to keep this faith as a mental strength.
- Ultimately, whether you believe in karma or not, treating others with kindness and honesty creates a mental environment where you too can be happy and at peace.
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