Karma

Running head: THE CONCEPT OF KARMA IN HINDUISM

The Concept of Karma in Hinduism

University of Phoenix

The Concept of Karma in Hinduism

The concept of Karma in Hinduism “means actions, and also the consequences of action.” For the Hindu religion Karma is not the same as fate, you are responsible of your own destiny, you actually create your own destiny by good or bad deeds. The way you act is what you will become in your next life. Karma affects reincarnation directly. For Hindus, you do not see the effects of Karma immediately but until you are reborn. A man’s actions in a lifetime have direct effect on what shape or form his next life will become. Karma or cause and effect are a concept that many religions share, from Hindus, to Buddhist to even Christians, for some the effects are in a cycle and for others, like Christians, the effects are linear. For Hindus, “the ultimate goal, however, is not creation of good lives by good deeds, but a clean escape from the karma-run wheel of birth, death and rebirth, but to escape it and achieve moksha, or liberation from the limitations of space, time and matter through realization of the immortal Absolute.” The concept of Karma comes from the ancient Hindus.

The Law of Karma was first defined and exemplified in the Hindu epic Mahabharata during a conversation between Arjuna, and his charioteer, Krishna. In this conversation they discussed various themes of morality and philosophy; and together with the Vendanta and Tantra, they created the foundation for the original Hindu concept of karma. The Law of Karma is a simple concept in where beings, not just humans, are rewarded or, punished according to their actions. For Hindus, there are four types of Karmas: Sanchita Karma, Prarabdha Karma, Agami Karma and, Kriyamana Karma. The first one is the sum of karmas during all the previous lives. The second is the karma that influences your current life. The third one is the actions you are taking in your...