Karma (कर्म)
Karma is used in many ways in the world and scriptures. Learn why its meaning depends on context.
Karma (कर्म | karma) is one of the most frequently used and most misunderstood terms in Vedic philosophy.
In everyday language, karma is often used to mean fate, destiny, or the results of past actions.
In the scriptures, the term is used in several different ways depending on the context. It may refer to action itself, the consequences of action, prescribed duties, or specific categories of action described by the Vedas.
One important classification divides actions into four categories:
- Karm — scripturally prescribed actions performed without bhakti of God.
- Vikarm — actions contrary to scriptural guidance.
- Akarm — bhakti of God while performing duties.
- Karm Sannyas — bhakti of God while renouncing prescribed duties.
The term karma is also used in the context of Karma Dharma or Varnashram Dharma, which includes:
- Nitya Karma — daily duties
- Naimittika Karma — occasional duties
- Kamya Karma — desire-motivated duties
- Prayashchitta Karma — atonement
Key Insight
The meaning of karma depends upon the context. Before interpreting the word, it is important to understand how it is being used in that particular scriptural discussion.
