Karma is a common English word of Indian origin, which means to 'act'. More specifically, Karma is "volitional action that is undertaken deliberately or knowingly".
The law of cause and effect forms an integral part of Hindu philosophy. Interestingly, the theory of karma harps on the Newtonian principle that every action produces an equal and opposite reaction. Every time we think or do something, we create a cause, which in time will bear its corresponding effects.
According to the ways of life chosen by a person, his karma can be classified into three kinds. The satvik karma, which is without attachment, selfless and for the benefit of others; the rajasik karma, which is selfish where the focus is on gains for oneself; and the tamasik karma, which is undertaken without heed to consequences, and is supremely selfish and savage... Read more
Watch Video: What is Karma?
Karma is one of the most interesting topics to discuss. I have read Bhagavad-Gita as it is, by Bhakti Vedantaswami(Founder of ISKON) and he looks deeply into Lord krishna’s words and his explanation of Karma. Very interesting post, it was a very interesting read. Thanks.
To my belief, Karma and Newtonian principle of “Action and Reaction” are not the same. I grew up with the belief that, If you act good, good things will happen. If you do good things you go up in the cycle of enlightenment. If you do bad things, you go down the cycle of enlightenment.
But Newtonian principle is like if you do good then Bad things happen. Action and reaction are opposite. So by being bad, good things will happen.
Please explain.
Thanks
Action and reaction are not opposite in that manner, what it means is that for each action that you perform you will experience a similar effect upon yourself, so if you harm someone you will experience some similar pain upon yourself
Also, the energy which is being affected by both definitions, can include much larger and smaller forms. Karma describes this as & please don’t quote me ; ‘House Karma, Street Karma, Town Karma, Village Karma, Region Karma, Country Karma etc. Up and down the scale. All slightly different scopes, yet connected and therefore directly capable of affecting each other. This means it may not neccessarily appear directly before you and be clearly observed but has complied with the rules and possibly been transferred up or down the chain. Its a bit of a head game at first but once you start to grasp it, it becomes clearer. Remember everything is connected, from the end of my nose and yours to the other side of the universe, is a path.
Law of karma seems to be the natural phenomena that governs the entire universe. Thinking rationally without any blind following or believes, law of action exists everywhere.
The presentation ‘What is karma’ is very enlightening and interesting. You may give some thing about various karma s – Sanchita,Prarabdha and Aagaami.
Dear brothers and sisters, human body is equally 4 cosmic energy that “ACTS” as soul controller. The 3rd equal part is the “Ka” that Kara,Karma,Kama.We have to control this act to achieve good and bad deeds to balance our life cycle: Supported-Self Supported-Supported.Hinduism always shows us the path.If you do good ‘Ka’ you go up in the cycle of enlightenment toward good health, happiness and harmony. Karma is sorrow, hungar, anger etc. that has to be balance to achieve the 5 elements of mother nature.That is why we hindus alway with our both hands close.If you can balance the 5 souls of 5 element than you will win Karma……..Siva