What is Karma Karma is a term that you may have heard before.

It probably brings to mind the idea of what goes around comes around. To some extent, this is accurate, but the Sanskrit word karma simply means action or deed. Within Hindu philosophy, every action, or karma, has a reaction. When people follow their dharma by acting selflessly or righteously, they will experience positive effects or rewards. If their actions, on the other hand, are negative (lying, stealing, hurting, etc.), the results will be likewise. The karma of ones actions, positive or negative, may be experienced immediately, sometime later in ones present life, or possibly in a future life or lives. It is important to remember that ones karma is based on the choices one makes and the thoughts, words, or actions that are the result. There are three types of karma

Kriyaman karma - This is the karma we produce and reap the effects of in our daily lives. It is the most immediate form. Some forms of current karma are also known as agama karma. Prarabdha karma - This is karma, the effects of which, take longer to manifest, but typically occur at some point in ones present lifetime. Sanchita karma - The results of this karma usually occur in a future lifetime or lifetimes.

Reincarnation and Samsara Everyones birth is the result of his or her unique karmic circumstances. Some are born poor, others are born rich. Some are born into large families, others have no siblings. According to Hinduism, ones soul is attracted to circumstances that will help balance out ones karmic needs and debts, while advancing spiritually. Some people are born in circumstances where they will have to struggle and reap the consequences of poor decisions from previous lives. Others are born in privileged circumstances where they reap the rewards of following their dharma well in previous lives. Some Hindus believe that people can even be reincarnated as an animal or insect based on their previous actions, and what circumstances will best allow them to advance spiritually. The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is called reincarnation. Moksha The ultimate goal in most schools of Hinduism is for the individual to work through his or her reservoir of karma, replacing the negative with the positive, until freedom from attachment to the fruit of all actions (consequences or rewards) is attained. This state is known as moksha (liberation) and is also characterized as the overcoming of spiritual ignorance; the perfected ability to live in the present moment and experience absolute peace; and most importantly, the awakening of pure compassion towards all. Moksha translates to liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). Someone may attain moksha during his or her lifetime or upon the death of his or her physical body.