“Karma” is the Eastern name for the Law of Cause and Effect. The basic Law governing our existence in this solar
system. Every thought that we have, every word we speak, and every action that we take sets into motion a cause.
These causes have their effects, which manifest themselves into consequences good or bad. Expressed in biblical
terms: “As you sow, so shall you reap.”. In scientific terms, “For every action there is an equal and opposite
reaction.” The Law of Cause and effect is prominent in both the spiritual and scientific world.

“Things don’t just happen in this world of ebb and flow. We don’t live in some kind of crazy, accidental universe.
Things happen according to certain laws, laws of nature. Laws such as the law of karma, which teaches us that as a
certain seed gets planted, so will that fruit be”.

Sharon Salzberg

Things don’t just happen in this world of ebb and flow. We don’t live in some kind of crazy, accidental universe.
Things happen according to certain laws, laws of nature. Laws such as the law of karma, which teaches us that as a
certain seed gets planted, so will that fruit be.
The concept of Karma means that everything we think, say, and do is registered by the Universal Intelligence which in
turn creates a response in accordance with our intent and our deed. Nothing avoids the attention of the Universal Eye.
Having said that, the Law of Karma is not out to get us or punish us. Rather the Law of Karma exists to teach us the
way towards love and compassion. The best way to learn love and compassion is to make us see what it might feel
like to be devoid of them. Our Karmic lessons set out the intention to show us in a mild way what it might feel like if
someone does not act with love and compassion towards us. To teach us how to be loving and compassionate we
might first need to suffer from the exact thing that we have been inflicting on others. That makes sense, right?
What better way to understand the pain of an ill person than to suffer illness?
Karma exists to teach us and not to punish us. When we begin to realize that whatever happens to us is a
consequence of some thought, word, or action that we have indulged in during our lifetime we can start to give
credence to all the experiences and events that unfold in our lives. Karma is a dutiful tool for self-realization
and taking responsibility for our own spiritual development. It is through the introspection that Karma brings into
our life that we can empower ourselves to walk towards the path of inner reflection.

“Karma is the eternal assertion of human freedom. If we can bring ourselves down by our Karma, it is also in ourpower to raise ourselves by our own Karma”.

swami vivekananda

Free Will is a Divine gift of every human being. The law of Karma is a
constant reminder that it is never too late to make a different choice that is in alignment with the Universal Truth –
the Law of Cause and Effect. If we reflect upon our innate purity and divinity and follow the laws of nature, we come
to the conclusion that the Law of Karma is the law of Divine goodwill and justice. It is here to serve us, protect us,
nurture us and teach us.
The question then arises can we negate the effect of bad Karma? The simple answer is, “yes to some extent”. Bad
Karma is accumulated by ill thoughts about something and then using words or actions to execute those thoughts.
Good Karma is accumulated by prayers, good intentions, and service. If I have committed many bad deeds but I
begin to repent those deeds and change my path towards self-realization, prayers, and service to others the effect of
my bad karma will be dissipated to some extent. I will probably still suffer, but to a lesser extent than if I had not
changed at all.
This is a simple and easy to understand account of how karma works. Karma is a very extensive topic, that has been
explored in myriads of religious text, spiritual and theosophical societies since time began. Karma will generate
interest until the end of time because it is so intrinsically tied to human life and human experience.

Kavita Pal