How are karma and past lives connected?
Karma is the law of cause and effect, and reincarnation is the soul's journey through many lifetimes. Together they mean that what we did in past lives shapes the circumstances of this one, and what we do now shapes what comes next. This link is the very foundation of my belief system.
Why do karma and past lives matter to me?
Karma and past lives have been central ideas in many philosophies and religions for thousands of years. The belief that actions, consequences and rebirth are all connected has shaped how many cultures understand human life. In this article I look at where these ideas come from, how different traditions see them, and what they mean. I also want to show how closely karma and past lives are linked, because that link is the foundation of my belief system and what brought me to where I am now.
What is karma?
Where does the idea of karma come from?
Karma has its roots in ancient Indian philosophy, in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The word "karma" comes from the Sanskrit word for "action" or "deed." In these traditions, karma is the law of cause and effect that governs the moral consequences of what we do. Every action, thought or intention creates an energy that will produce a matching outcome.
How does karma work?
Positive actions lead to positive outcomes, and negative actions bring negative consequences. Depending on the tradition, the effects can show up in this life or in future lives. Karma is not simply a system of rewards and punishments. It is a way of keeping balance and harmony in the universe.
Are there different kinds of karma?
Yes, karma is often divided by its timing. Sanchita karma is the karma built up over past lives, which influences this life. Prarabdha karma is the part of that past karma that has already started to bear fruit in this life. Kriyamana karma is the karma we create through our actions and choices now, which shapes what comes later.
What are reincarnation and past lives?
What is reincarnation?
Reincarnation is the belief that the soul is reborn into different bodies over many lifetimes. It is central to many Eastern religions and to some mystical traditions in the West. The cycle of birth, death and rebirth continues until the soul reaches liberation (moksha) or enlightenment and is free of the cycle.
Is there evidence for past lives?
Evidence for past lives is debated, but many cultures have reported people who remember them. Researchers such as Dr. Ian Stevenson and Dr. Jim Tucker have studied thousands of cases of young children who recalled detailed memories of earlier lives, often with information that could be checked. These cases raise intriguing questions about consciousness and the possibility of life beyond a single lifetime.
How do karma and reincarnation work together?
The quality of our actions in past lives influences the circumstances of this one. Positive karma can lead to a more favorable birth, a life of abundance and good opportunities. Negative karma can bring hardship, obstacles and suffering in the present life.
Can you break the cycle?
For many followers of these traditions, the ultimate goal is to break free of the cycle of birth and death by building positive karma and reaching spiritual realization. This liberation from samsara, the cycle of birth and death, lets the soul merge with the divine or reach enlightenment. Ascension, essentially.
How do different traditions see karma and past lives?
Hinduism
In Hinduism, karma is an essential part of dharma, the moral order that holds up the universe. Karma has traditionally been tied to the caste system and a person's station in life. The law of karma encourages people to fulfill their duties (dharma) in their roles and to seek spiritual growth so they can escape the cycle of rebirth.
Buddhism
Buddhism sees karma as part of dependent origination (pratītyasamutpāda), in which actions are causes that lead to effects. Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism teaches anatta (non-self): there is no permanent, unchanging soul that passes from life to life. The goal is nirvana, the end of suffering and freedom from the cycle of rebirth.
Jainism
Jainism also holds to the principle of karma, with an emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa) and ethical conduct to purify the soul. Jainism describes many levels of existence, and the quality of your karma decides which one you are reborn into.
How do people see karma today?
Is karma a psychological idea?
Some modern scholars and practitioners see karma in psychological terms: our intentions and actions shape our state of mind and our experiences. In this view, ethical choices lead to more contentment and happiness now, not only in future lives.
Can belief in karma lead to fatalism?
Critics say that believing in karma and past lives can lead to fatalism, where people accept their suffering as the result of past actions instead of doing something to improve their lives. It also raises the hard question of whether past-life actions could ever justify inequality and injustice today.
What can karma and past lives teach us?
Karma and past lives are deep and complex ideas that have shaped the spiritual outlook of many cultures over time. The idea that actions have consequences, and that the soul's journey goes beyond one lifetime, invites us to think about existence, ethics and personal responsibility. Whether you come to them through religious tradition or a modern view, karma and past lives offer a way to look at cause and effect in your own life.
Editor's note: Cherry Sage can tell you what your Karmic Debts and Karmic Lessons are. Using numerology, she can reveal your entire Soul's Map: where you've been, where you are and where you are going in this life. She can also look back to reveal some of your past-life actions that are key to this life. Find all your key notes and how to make them work for you. Call Cherry and book an appointment. See Cherry's interview on The Kevin Moore Show.
