Karma

Karma

Sri R. Krishnaswami Aiyer, M.A., B.L., writes about Karma in the Hindu Mind dated October, 1935:

a. Karmas Classified

Karmas are good, bad or mixed. The results of good Karmas are:

1. Purification of the mind, that is to say, the removal from the mind of its drossness which is the effect of thoughts of narrow selfishness and gross sensuality.

2. Happiness in the higher regions, during the period between the death and rebirth in this physical world. If the Karma is of an exceptional nature, the thinker may even be made an office-bearer with an authority in such higher regions.

3. Coming back, as man again, to earth-life with facilities for further purification of mind. If the Karma, however, is done without attachment to its fruits and the thinker has been going along the path of Jnana (knowledge) or along the higher regions of the path of Bhakti (devotion to the supreme universal Soul) having his mind completely purified and possessing faith in the revealed truth that he and the Divine Object of his devotion are in fact one in the self, he is not bound to return again to earth-life.

The results of bad Karmas are:

1. The mind becomes more and more impure.

2. Suffering in the nether region or hell during the period between the death and rebirth here.

3. If the Karma is very bad, after suffering in the nether region, the thinker is made to take his birth in this world in the lower animal or vegetable kingdom as part of his punishment. In some cases these lower births immediately follow the previous earth-life.

4. After undergoing his sufferings in hell or as a sub-human Jiva, the thinker comes again to assume a human body. He is then placed amidst very unfavourable environments to his progress onwards. These bad environments or impediments to advancement are in consequence of his own previous errors and misdoings.

Mixed Karmas are partly bad and its results are:

1. The mind becomes pure in certain respects and more impure in certain others.

2. The thinker suffers for some time in hell, and enjoys for some time in the happy regions above.

Afterwards he ordinarily takes birth here again as man.

Karma – Action, Intention, and the Law of Life

Karma is one of the most important ideas in spiritual and moral philosophy. It teaches that every thought, word, and action produces an effect. Nothing in life is completely meaningless, because every choice leaves an impression on the mind and shapes the direction of the future. This law is not only about reward and punishment; it is about responsibility, awareness, and inner growth.

Human beings act every moment. We act through the body when we work, serve, help, harm, or avoid duty. We act through speech when we speak truth, lie, encourage, insult, or remain silent. We also act through the mind when we think with kindness, jealousy, anger, fear, or compassion. Even when no one sees us, our inner attitude affects our character. In this way, life is continuously being shaped from within.

Karma also explains why intention is so important. Two people may perform the same outward action, but the inner result may be different because their motives are different. A person may give charity to gain praise, while another may give with genuine compassion. A person may speak strongly to guide someone, while another may speak strongly to hurt. The outer action matters, but the inner feeling behind it matters deeply.

Many people misunderstand this teaching as fixed fate. They think everything is already decided and human effort has no value. This is not a complete understanding. Past actions may influence present circumstances, but present effort still has power. A person may face difficulty because of past causes, yet they can respond with courage, patience, wisdom, and discipline. The present moment is always a field of new possibility.

Understanding Karma helps a person stop blaming others for every situation. It does not mean we should become harsh toward ourselves or others. It simply means we should become more conscious of our choices. Instead of asking only, “Why did this happen to me?” we can ask, “What can I learn from this? What should I do now? How can I act more wisely?” This attitude turns life into a path of growth.

Good actions purify the mind. Truthfulness builds courage. Kindness softens the heart. Self-control strengthens willpower. Service reduces selfishness. Patience brings inner stability. When these qualities are practiced again and again, they become part of character. A person then naturally begins to think and act in a better way.

Wrong actions create disturbance. Lies create fear. Anger creates regret. Greed creates restlessness. Cruelty makes the heart hard. Selfishness separates a person from others. Even if wrong action brings temporary gain, it leaves an inner burden. The mind may hide from society, but it cannot fully hide from conscience.

Karma is not limited to big events. Small daily choices are equally important. A gentle word, a controlled reaction, a sincere duty, a helpful act, or a moment of honesty may look simple, but these actions slowly shape the inner life. In the same way, repeated carelessness, gossip, laziness, and selfish thoughts gradually weaken the personality.

This teaching also encourages detachment from results. A person should perform duty sincerely, but they should not become a slave to success, praise, or reward. Results depend on many factors, including effort, time, situation, other people, and unseen causes. Our responsibility is to act rightly with full sincerity. Attachment to results creates anxiety, while pure effort brings peace.

In spiritual life, Karma becomes a path of purification when action is done without ego. A person works, serves, studies, teaches, earns, and fulfills responsibilities, but they do not carry the heavy pride of “I alone am the doer.” They understand that life is supported by nature, society, teachers, family, health, and grace. This understanding brings humility.

This law also teaches compassion. When people act wrongly, they are often under the influence of ignorance, pain, desire, or fear. We should not support wrong behavior, but we should avoid hatred. A wise person corrects firmly when needed, yet keeps the heart free from cruelty. Compassion protects us from becoming proud in the name of morality.

Daily reflection is very helpful. At the end of the day, one can ask: Did I speak truthfully? Did I hurt anyone? Did I act from ego or duty? Did I waste time? Did I help someone? Such questions awaken conscience and guide improvement. Without reflection, life becomes mechanical. With reflection, every day becomes a teacher.

Ultimately, Karma reminds us that we are responsible creators of our inner future. We may not control everything outside, but we can control our intention, effort, speech, and response. When actions are guided by truth, kindness, discipline, and detachment, life becomes peaceful and meaningful. This teaching is not meant to create fear; it is meant to awaken wisdom, responsibility, and spiritual strength.

Mind And Food