In Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, karma refers to the law of cause and effect, where actions influence current and future life circumstances.
Let’s explore the concepts of sanchita, prarabdha, and agami karma of hinduism, then compare these to the Buddhist understanding.
I'll also relate to some teachings of Christianity.
Concepts of Karma
Sanchita Karma (Accumulated Karma)
This is the sum of all past karmas—actions from previous lives and the current life that are yet to manifest. Sanchita karma holds all the "stored" potential consequences that have not yet taken effect. It can be thought of as the karmic "warehouse" from which karmic outcomes are drawn.
Prarabdha Karma (Karma Being Experienced Now)
Prarabdha karma is the portion of sanchita karma that is ripe and active in the present life. This karma cannot be altered and directly influences life events, such as one’s birth circumstances, relationships, and major life situations. It's seen as the karma that must be "worked out" in this life, representing a predetermined path.
Agami Karma (Future Karma)
Agami karma includes new karmic outcomes that arise from present actions, thoughts, and intentions. It is generated in this life and will affect the future, either in this lifetime or the next. This karma is created by the free will of current actions, allowing individuals to influence their future circumstances by living consciously and ethically.
Impact on Life
These three types of karma emphasize both fate and free will. Sanchita and prarabdha karma highlight how past actions shape the present, while agami karma stresses the power of present choices in influencing the future.
Through spiritual practices we seek to reduce the impact of sanchita karma and, seek liberation "Moksha" from the karmic cycle "Samsara".
Buddhist View of Karma
In Buddhism, karma is also the principle of cause and effect, but the emphasis is often on the intentionality behind actions rather than just actions themselves. Key points in the Buddhist approach to karma include:
Intentional Action and Moral Consequence
In Buddhism, karma is largely shaped by intention "cetana".
Actions rooted in negative intentions (like greed, hatred, and ignorance) lead to suffering, while those from positive intentions (like kindness and wisdom) contribute to happiness and spiritual progress.
This is distinct from Hindu karma, where all actions contribute to karma regardless of intention.
Focus on Present Actions.
Buddhist karma is generally viewed as more immediate and dynamic, with emphasis on how present actions affect both the immediate and future outcomes. While Buddhism acknowledges the influence of past actions, it stresses that current intention and awareness can transform one’s karmic path, allowing for liberation
In traditional Christian teachings, the concept of "karma" as known in Eastern religions isn't explicitly present, but there are parallels in the Bible that describe a principle of moral cause and effect. Often refered to as the idea of "sowing and reaping" rather than karma, seeing it as a reflection of God's justice and a way to encourage moral responsibility. Here’s how this principle is understood in Christianity:
Sowing and Reaping: The Bible expresses the idea that actions have consequences. In Galatians 6:7, Paul says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” This means that positive actions tend to yield positive results, while negative actions lead to negative outcomes. This isn’t seen as a fixed cycle but as a general principle of how God’s justice operates in the world.
Moral Accountability: The principle of reaping what you sow encourages us to live responsibly and compassionately, knowing that our actions impact others and reflect our relationship with God. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:12, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,” emphasizes a life of empathy and positive action, which aligns with the idea that good deeds lead to positive outcomes, while harmful actions may result in personal and spiritual consequences.
In summary, Christianity teaches that actions have moral consequences under God's justice, but it also emphasizes forgiveness, redemption, and the possibility of a new beginning through faith. The “sowing and reaping” principle invites individuals to live responsibly, while God's grace offers liberation from past wrongs and a path toward a life aligned with His love and mercy.
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