The word karma comes from the Sanskrit root *kri* — meaning "to do" or "to act." At its core, karma is the law of cause and effect: every action creates a ripple in the fabric of existence.
Karma Is Not Punishment
One of the most common misconceptions is that karma is a system of cosmic punishment. In reality, karma is neutral — it simply reflects back what we put out.
Good actions, kind words, and loving thoughts create positive karmic seeds. Actions born from fear, greed, or anger create karmic debt that must eventually be balanced.
The Three Types of Karma
**Sanchita Karma** — The accumulated karma from all past lives. This is the storehouse of all karmic seeds you've ever planted.
**Prarabdha Karma** — The portion of sanchita karma that is "ripe" and playing out in your current life. This is largely fixed — it's the hand you've been dealt.
**Kriyamana Karma** — The karma you are actively creating right now, in this lifetime. This is where your free will lives.
Working With Your Karma
Your karma is not your destiny — it is your invitation to grow.