What is Karma?

In Sanskrit, karma means action. Every action we take—whether it’s our thoughts, words, or actions—creates an effect that shapes our future experiences. 

Think of it like planting seeds. If you plant mango seeds, you’ll get a mango tree. If you plant weeds, you get weeds. Similarly, positive actions lead to happiness, while negative actions lead to suffering. What’s important is that karma is not immediate—it ripens under the right conditions, sometimes much later in life. 

Also, karma is not the same as fate. Our lives are not pre-destined, and we are not stuck with a fixed future. Instead, it is an active process that we can shape by making better choices in the present. 

Common Misconceptions About Karma 

Sadly, many people misunderstand karma because it is often misrepresented in pop culture. Here, we want to clarify some of the common myths: 

1. Misconception: Karma is instant payback. 
   Reality: Karma doesn’t work like revenge or reward. Many people believe that if they do something bad today, something terrible will immediately happen to them. In reality, karma takes time to develop, sometimes across lifetimes.

2. Misconception: Karma is punishment or reward. 
   Reality: It is not divine justice but the result of past actions. If someone experiences hardship, it is a natural outcome of what has happened in the past, not some supernatural punishment.  

3. Karma is fixed or unchangeable. 
   Reality: Some people think that if they have created bad karma, their life is doomed to suffer forever. However, karma is changeable. Through conscious efforts, such as purification, making amends and positive actions, we can change our karma and create a better future. 

Why Understanding Karma is Important 

Understanding karma helps us take responsibility for our lives. 

• It encourages ethical living. When we understand that our actions have consequences, we become more mindful of what we say and do. 

• It empowers us. Instead of blaming others for our problems, we understand and realise that we can shape our future with our actions today. 

• It helps us accept life’s ups and downs. Knowing our experiences result from our past actions, we cultivate patience and resilience. 

For example, have you ever blamed bad luck for negative things that happened to you—like being unable to maintain a long-term relationship or struggling to find meaningful connections? Instead of blaming bad luck or thinking, “Aiyah, it’s my fate,” you might want to reflect on your past actions. Could there have been times you were unkind, impatient or dishonest that may have resulted in these experiences? With this awareness, you can actively and consciously work to change your behaviour, planting seeds for healthier, more fulfilling relationships in the future.  

The Four Outlines of Karma

Karma is not random; it follows a structured process. These Four Outlines explain how our actions shape our experiences and how we can take charge of our future. 

Karma is Definite 

Every action has a corresponding result. Acts of kindness lead to kindness, while negativity leads to suffering. If we practice generosity, we cultivate abundance. If we frequently complain, dissatisfaction follows. Understanding this helps us make more mindful choices. 

Karma is Expandable 

Small actions can grow into significant consequences. A tiny seed becomes a large tree, just as a single kind act can create lasting positive effects. Similarly, repeated negativity accumulates over time. Even small decisions—choosing patience over anger or honesty over deceit—shape our future in powerful ways. 

If Karma is NOT Created, it CAN NOT Be Experienced 

Nothing happens by chance—our experiences arise from past actions. If we desire happiness, we must actively create it through good deeds. For example, if you regularly help others, you naturally attract kindness and support. The point is that we have control over our karma and can shape a more positive life by being intentional with our actions. 

Karma CANNOT Disappear Unless It is Purified 

Just as a stain on a cloth won’t disappear on its own, negative karma remains unless we actively cleanse it. We can purify past karma through sincere regret, making amends, and committing to better actions. While we cannot erase past mistakes, we can reduce their impact and set a new course for the future. 

Shaping Your Future with Karma

The beauty of karma is that it is changeable. It is not just about consequences; it’s about creating change. By understanding how karma works, we can take conscious steps to improve our lives. 

Creating Positive Karma 

Every action, word, and thought plants a seed for the future. Since our actions shape karma, we can transform our lives by choosing honesty, patience, generosity, and compassion to create the conditions for happiness and success. The more good karma we generate, the more we shape a future filled with positive experiences, meaningful relationships, and inner peace. 

Purifying Negative Karma

We’ve learned that negative karma isn’t set in stone — it can be lessened or transformed. Buddhism teaches that we can purify negative karma by recitation of mantras and confessional prayers, engage in meditation such as Tonglen, doing prostrations and acts of service such as cleaning the temple and stupas. Just as a dirty pot can be cleaned, our karma can also be purified through sincere effort. Practising compassion and mindfulness thereafter prevents us from accumulating negative karma in the future. 

Conclusion

Karma is not about fate or punishment but empowerment. Every thought, word, and action shapes the life you experience. Karma is like a tool for real, meaningful change. By understanding karma, you can take charge of your future and create a life of wisdom, kindness, and true fulfilment. 

So, what seeds are you planting today to create positive karma? 

Learn more about how karma and Buddhist wisdom can transform your life by attending teachings at Thekchen Choling Temple near Jalan Besar or exploring our blog for practical teachings you can apply to your daily life.