Karma Siddanta - Overview
This article offers a gentle introduction to the theory of Karma in Sanatana Dharma. The Karma siddanta is a subtle and complex subject, but a basic understanding of its principles helps us act skillfully—remaining fully engaged in our actions while not being disturbed by their results, leading to inner calm and spiritual growth.
Bhagavad Gītā 3.5 states that no one can remain without action—physical or mental—even for a moment. Every action produces results, good or bad, which must be experienced by the doer. While undergoing the fruits of past actions, human beings generate new karma, thereby forming an endless cycle. This cycle is known as saṁsāra, in which one continuously experiences the duality of happiness and sorrow.
On the other hand, we encounter a few great souls who engage fully in action yet remain unaffected by its results, sailing through life’s highs and lows with calmness and inner peace.
This invites reflection on whether the problem lies in “action itself” or “in our attitude toward action”?
Sanātana Dharma explores this issue in depth and presents a framework that allows one to act fully while remaining unaffected by the outcomes.
Karma and two results
Karma phala is the result of the performing the karma and the samksaras are the subtle mental imprint or conditioning formed by performing the action (karma).
Examples can help clarify this concept.
- Example 1 – You help someone sincerely:
- Karma phala: gratitude, peace, good circumstances
- Saṁskāra: tendency toward kindness and selflessness
- Example 2 – Eating a mango:
- Karma phala: nutrition to body
- Saṁskāra: taste in the memory (which draws the person to eat mango again and again)
A small story is relevant here. There was a notorious thief who was well known for his robberies. In the course of time, he was caught by the police and, after a due trial in court, was imprisoned for a long period. He had two sons. One son grew up to become a thief like his father, while the other grew up to become a successful engineer and earned a respectable position in society.
A psychology professor who studied the lives of these three individuals interviewed the two sons. When the professor asked the first son why he had become a thief, he replied, “I had an example to follow at home.” When the professor asked the second son why he did not become a thief, his reply was, “I had an example not to follow at home.”
As can be seen, two persons reacted quite differently to the same situation (karma phala).
What causes this different response to the same situation (karma phala)? Answer is – Saṁskāra.
Karma and samskaras interplay
To navigate the ocean of the Samsara, it is essential to have a basic understanding of Karma Siddanta and Samskaras.
For an overview of Karma Siddanta refer to “Karma – the Eternal Account”.
For an overview of Samskaras refer to “Samskaras – Mental Conditioning”.
Differences between karma phala and samskaras:
| Aspect | Karma Phala | Saṁskāra |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Result / consequence | Mental impression |
| Location | Outside (experience) | Inside (mind) |
| Visibility | Seen / felt in life | Subtle, unseen |
| Time | Comes and goes | Accumulates |
| Effect | What happens to you | What you turn into |