What Is Karma?

Answer:

Karma is believed to be the consequences of old choices — old beliefs and old attitudes — which unconsciously create and re-create similar consequences, until we become conscious of them and choose to change them. In the ancient Sanskrit language "karma" meant "action". Karma is not a punishment but an opportunity to correct old mistakes and make our lives (and ourselves) better.

Many people believe that both good and bad karma can return to you at any time, even after this lifetime. Hindus believe that the soul is immortal and is reborn in a new body after a person dies.

According to the ways of life chosen by a person, his karma can be classified into three kinds:

• The satvik karma, which is without attachment, selfless and for the benefit of others
• The rajasik karma, which is selfish where the focus is on gains for oneself; and
• The tamasik karma, which is undertaken without heed to consequences, and is supremely selfish and savage.