The Kriyamana Karma encapsulates theincrediblybrilliant dynamism of how Karma works. While living our Karmas, we continue to createmore in the present life, influencingour future
One does not merely earn Karma. One seeds it and grows it. And then - it grows on you.
Everything connects with everything else - and Karma is the connect.
It is in thought - not only in action. Neither fate nor destiny.A matrix that includes our choices, samskaras and more. Our conscious and unconscious acts, ideas and deeds determine our karma. It is about ownership and deliverance.
Simplistically it means the idea of cause and effect, where thoughts, emotions, actions (karma) have corresponding consequences (karma-phala). It comes around as an energy that originates with us. It shapes individual destinies, influences rebirths, and underscores the ethical framework of traditions. It is almost impossible to comprehend the cycle of Karma in a unidimensional way. The limitations of human comprehension restrict our understanding of this extremely complex but immensely beautiful concept.
With its roots in the intention of the action, Karma is also defined as our prescribed duties towards our ecosystem.
Krishna asserts in the Bhagavat Gita …
tasmÀd asaktaÍ satataÚ kÀraÚ karma samÀchara
asakto hyÀcharan karma param Àpnoti pÂruÈhaÍ
"Therefore, always perform your duties efficiently and without attachment. By performing duties without attachment, a person attains the highest."
Performing duties conscientiously(Sattvik Karma) without attachment to the results, leads to liberation (Moksha).
We travel through births, with our accumulated karma due toour past actions.This Sanchita Karma and plays a major role is shaping one's life circumstances.
The portion of Sanchita Karma that has to be inescapably experienced in the present life is Prarabdha Karma. It determines the significant conditionsand events of one's current life.
The Kriyamana Karma encapsulates theincrediblybrilliant dynamism of how Karma works. While living our Karmas, we continue to createmore in the present life, influencingour future.
One of the purposes of spiritual study and growth is to discern right from wrong action.
As Krishna explains in the Bhagavat Gita
karmaõo hyapi boddhavyaÉ boddhavyaÉ cha vikarmaõaÍ
akarmaõas´h cha boddhavyaÉ gahanÀ karmaõo gatiÍ
"One must understand what is action, what is inaction, and what is forbidden action. The path of action is very mysterious."
We must understand the nature of different types of actions (karma) and inactions, discerning right actions (Dharma) from wrong actions (Adharma).
In daily life, understanding karma influences decision-making, virtuous conduct, and spiritual application in our actions and duties. It encourages us to uphold principles of righteousness (Dharma) and avoid harmful actions, perform our duties selflessly, and practice mindfulness by reflecting on our intentions.
Karma grows with intention, and reflects in your volition. It is not merely the content but the context.
It is complex. It is not linear and it is Real and authentic. We have the right to it through our choices and yet are urged not to consider ourselves as the cause of the results. It is about staying connected to the action with commitment but not attached thereafter.
One of the most popular shlokas of the Bhagavat Gita, that has been a guiding principle
karmaõy-evÀdhikÀras te mÀ phaleÈhu kadÀchana
mÀ karma-phala-hetur bhÂr mÀ te saôgo ‘stvakarmaõi
"You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction."
Karma entwines spiritual evolution, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
It is not a punishment. it is a consequence of our choices. It is a reminder to be mindful, conscious, aware, and selfless. As Lord Buddha asserted - it is not possible to avoid experiencing the result of a karmic deed once it has been committed. Karma has no standard Menu - you get served what you deserve.
— The writer is a versatile professional with 3 decades in corporate experience & leadership roles, exceling in several areas as a ICF Certified Mentor Life Coach, Corporate Coach, Spiritual Intelligence Coach & CXO Coach. Spiritual counselor, Astro & Vastu consultant (25+ years of grounding in Vedanta philosophy) and a Motivational speaker. He is a Dale Carnegie’s T3 graduate