Types of Karma: Simple Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita

myNachiketa
Sep 15
3 min read

Have you ever thought why sometimes good and sometimes bad things happen to you? Why do some of your actions fill you with joy while others make you upset?

These questions are beautifully addressed in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna shares valuable wisdom about life, Karma, and the effects of our Karma.

Karma means action, and every action we take shapes our lives now and in the future. It's just like planting a seed today to determine what kind of tree grows tomorrow!

Understanding Different Types of Karma

Let’s explore the types of karma mentioned in the Gita and see how they relate to our lives.

1. Sanchita Karma (Stored Past Actions)

Imagine you have a big savings box where you collect coins from your allowance every day. Each coin represents an action you’ve done in the past, both good and not-so-good. This box is like Sanchita Karma—it contains all the actions we have performed in our previous lives! It gathers all our experiences like a treasure chest, waiting for us to open it in our current and future lives. Just like saving coins helps us later, Sanchita Karma shapes our current lives based on our past deeds.

2. Prarabdha Karma (Past Actions Fruiting in the Present)

Now, think of Prarabdha Karma are like the seeds you’ve already planted in a garden; they are now growing! For example, the family you were born into, the personality traits you have, and the opportunities you enjoy today all stem from your past actions. It’s all about how some of those stored actions come into play in your current life.

3. Kriyamana or Agami Karma (Actions Creating Future Results)

Every time you take action today, you are creating your own future. This is what we call Kriyamana Karma, or sometimes Agami Karma. When you study hard for an exam? That preparation is contributing to your future success. Each good deed you do today, like helping a friend or being kind to someone, will blossom into more positivity in your life in future.

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4. Karma (Good or Pious Actions)

Karma also refers to good actions, those kind things we do to help others or bring joy to the world. For example, sharing your toys, standing up for a friend when they are bullied, or even just being honest—that’s good karma! Such actions fill our lives with happiness and inspire others to do the same.

5. Vikarma (Negative or Forbidden Actions)

On the flip side, there are actions that create bad karma—these are called Vikarma. Think of making fun of someone, being unkind, or cheating in a game. These actions not only hurt others but can also bring trouble our way. It’s like throwing a rock into the pond; the ripples can come back to you!

6. Akarma (Selfless or Liberating Actions)

Now, let’s discover Akarma, which means actions taken without selfish desires. It’s like helping someone carry their books, just for the joy of helping, not looking for praise or rewards. Doing your tasks without being attached to the result—like studying for knowledge rather than just for grades—is another example. This kind of selfless action brings peace and freedom.

Wisdom from the Gita

To sum up our exploration of karma, here’s a beautiful shloka from the Bhagavad Gita:

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।

मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते संगोऽस्त्वकर्मणि।।

This verse means, “You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.” It reminds us that we should focus on doing good actions without getting attached to the results.

Conclusion

So, dear friends, just as Krishna taught Arjun in the Bhagavad Gita, our actions shape our lives. The key is to make wise choices that encourage good karma and bring joy to ourselves and those around us. Let's promise to perform our actions with intention and kindness, and not worry too much about what we will receive in return. Together, we can create a world filled with happiness and positivity!