What is Karma?

This article is about Understanding "Karma" or knowing what is "Karma" as per the Hindu Philosophy?

"Karma" in its simplest term is "Action" only. Any action that we do with our body & mind is termed as "Karma" but the word "Karma" has a much greater significance as per the Hindu Philosophy than just simple meaning as "Action". In Hindu scriptures Karma is related to the origin of one's own body. Karmas of earlier birth become the basis of this birth & Karmas of this birth become the basis of his next birth & so on. This relation of Karmas to rebirth in Hindu Philosophy is the key thing which makes it different from doing just any action in life. Now how these Karmas are related to rebirth as per the Hindu Philosophy?

As per the Hindu Philosophy, any action that we do, produces some fruit or has a consequence. In simplest term, if a man works for 8 hrs in a mall, he expects his salary of 8 hrs at the end of his job. It may be given to him at the end of the job on that day, may accrue to his account weekly or monthly, but the man expects that he shall get his salary after doing the asked for job. So this "Expected Salary" is the "Fruit" of his 8 hrs of "Actions". Similarly any other "Action" or "Karma" done in life automatically has some "Fruit" attached to it. In terms of "Karmas" done by a man, all the consequential "Fruits" are determined by God himself. Say you donate some money to a Charity or you feed a poor man, what "Fruit" shall incur to you for this good work done by you? Or say some man beats a poor man or a man murders someone, then what "Fruit" shall incur to him for this ghastly act done by that person? In all such acts or Karmas done by all persons, the consequential "Fruits" are determined by God himself as per the divine laws & not by any human being.

So by now we have seen that all "Karmas" or actions done by a man have a Fruit related to it & that Fruit is determined by God only. But how these Karmas become the basis of Rebirth as per the Hindu Scriptures?

As per the Hindu Philosophy, any "Karma" done by a person, remains with that person, unless he/she has enjoyed the consequential Fruit arisen out of doing that Karma. For a good act done by him, he shall bear good result & enjoy it. Similarly for a bad act done by him, he shall bear bad result & shall have to bear punishment for it. Unless that person enjoys good or bad result/fruit arisen out of doing that Karma, it shall remain forever with that person & leave that person after that person has enjoyed the fruit arisen out of doing that Karma. Now whatever action/karma one performs with his body, mind or even speech, that Karma after getting finished, goes in to his reserved stock of Karmas i.e. it adds up to all the other accumulated karmas earlier done by him.

This stock of Karmas (having its reservoir in that person's mind) is having all the Karmas done by that person in this life & also done by that person in earlier births taken by that person. At the death of a person he/she takes with him/her all that accumulated Karmas which contain Karmas done in this birth & also the Karmas from the previous births for which its fruit is yet to be enjoyed .

So at the death of a person, out of this accumulated Karmas which that person carries, Divinity or God as per the divine law takes a handful of those Karmas which have begun to bear the fruits & a new body is made with the seeds of these fruit bearing Karmas. So basically any Karma done becomes the seed of the next birth. In Hindu Philosophy all these Karmas which become the basis of or the seeds of a new birth of a body, are called "Prarabdha" or "Fruit bearing actions" or "Fate" even. In the next birth, a person again does Karmas & these gets added to his earlier accumulated, unspent stock & so on this cycle goes on for a soul of taking birth after birth.

So in this way, so long as the reserve stock of Karmas remains with that person, a part of it continues to be taken out of that reserve stock by the Divinity as "Prarabdha" or "Fruit bearing actions", for being enjoyed in one life-time of that person. A soul's perpetual journey from one birth to next birth goes on like that with the law of karma. This soul knows no liberation, so long as this stock of un-disposed off actions or karmas performed in number of lives of that person is not completely exhausted.

Ganpati Bappa Morya - Jai Lord Ganesha - Music Video

Here below is another Video of the Devotional song of the Hindus sung in the praise of "Lord Ganesha".

Pray to Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is a Hindu God who removes all obstacles in life.

Lord Ganesha Aarti / Bhajan - Music Video

Here below is a Video of the Devotional song of the Hindus sung in the praise of "Lord Ganesha - Son of Lord Shiva"

So enjoy this beautiful Video dedicated to God in the form of Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is a Hindu God who removes all obstacles in life.

Shiv Bhajan - Om Namah Shivaye - Music Video

Here below is a Video of the Devotional song of the Hindus to "Lord Shiva" called "Mann Mera Mandir, Shiv Meri Puja" which is a very popular Hindu divine song sung in the praise of Lord Shiva , the Lord of Destruction as per Hindu mythology. To all devotees of Lord Shiva, it is very popular Devotional song & loved by all of them. As per the Hindu mythology god is ONE. Lord Krishna is same as Lord Rama & also same as Lord Shiva.

As per Bhagwat Gita Chapter Ten Verse - 23, God himself declares that He (Lord Krishna) is same as Lord Shiva.

So enjoy this beautiful Video dedicated to God in the form of Lord Shiva.

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Eighteen (18) - What it is about?

Chapter Eighteen of Bhagwat Gita is entitled "The Yoga of Liberation through the Path of Knowledge and Self-Surrender."

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Eighteen (18) is entitled "The Yoga of Liberation through the Path of Knowledge and Self-Surrender." This Chapter has a total of 78 verses.

Verses 1 to 12 discusses the subject of Tyaga or Relinquishment.

Verses 13 to 18 discusses the cause of Karma according to the Sankhya system.

Verses 19 to 40 are about the Classification of Knowledge, Action, Doer, Reason, Firmness and Joy according to the three Gunas.

Verses 41 to 48 describe about the Duties attaching to each Caste and the fruits of their
performance.
Verses 49 to 55 describe about the path of Knowledge.

Verses 56 to 66 describe about the path of Karmayoga or Selfless Action, together with
Devotion.

Verses 67 to 78 describe about the glory of Gita/Bhagwat Gita/Bhagwad Gita.

To read complete Chapter Eighteen (18) Verse by Verse in Original Sanskrit Language Text & its English Translation......Click here to read...........Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Eighteen (Chapter-18)

"Sankat Mochan Naam Tiharo" - Lord Hanuman Prayer

"Sankat Mochan Naam Tiharo" is a prayer in the praise of Hindu God, "Lord Hanumana". A soul soothing prayer. Jai Sri Ram. jai Hanuman.

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Seventeen (17) - What it is about?

Chapter Seventeen of Bhagwat Gita is entitled "The Yoga of Classification of the Threefold Faith."

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Seventeen (17) is entitled "The Yoga of Classification of the Threefold Faith." This Chapter has a total of 28 verses

Verses 1 to 6 are about the Discussion on Faith and on the Fate of men who perform austere penance not enjoined by the scripture.

Verses 7 to 22 are about the different kinds of foods, sacrifices, penances and charity which are described herein.

Verses 23 to 28 describe about the meaning and intention of uttering "Om Tat Sat".

To read complete Chapter Seventeen (17) Verse by Verse in Original Sanskrit Language Text & its English Translation......Click here to read...........Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Seventeen (Chapter-17)

"Hanuman Chalisa" - Lord Hanuman Prayer

"Hanuman Chalisa" is a Devotional Prayer in the Praise of Hindu God,"Lord Hanuman". Lord Hanumana when invoked through this prayer certainely blesses his devotees.

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Sixteen (16) - What it is about?

Chapter Sixteen of Bhagwat Gita is entitled "The Yoga of Discrimination between the Divine and the Demoniacal Properties."

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Sixteen (16) is entitled "The Yoga of Discrimination between the Divine and the Demoniacal Properties." This Chapter has a total of 24 verses.

Verses 1 to 5 describe about the Divine and the demoniacal Properties with their fruits.

Verses 6 to 20 describe about the marks of men possessed of the demoniacal Properties and their damnation described.

Verses 21 to 24 are about the Instruction to renounce the conduct opposed to the scriptures and exhortation to follow the scriptures.

To read complete Chapter Sixteen (16) Verse by Verse in Original Sanskrit Language Text & its English Translation......Click here to read...........Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Sixteen (Chapter-16)

Bhagwan Bhajan - "Kabhi Ram Banke Kabhi Shyam Banke" - Music Video

A Devotional Bhazan - "Kabhi Ram Banke Kabhi Shyam Banke" in the praise of God.

Lyrics: Kabhi Ram Banke, Kabhi Shyam Banke, Chale aana, Prabhuji Chale aana. Tum Ram Roop mein aana, (x2) Sita Saath Leke, Dhanush haath leke...Chale..... Tum Shyam Roop mein aana (x2) Radha Saath Leke, Murli haath leke...Chale...... Tum Shivke Roop mein aana (x2) Gara Saath Leke, Damru haath leke...Chale...... Tum Vishnu Roop mein aana (x2) Laxmi Saath Leke, Chakra haath leke...Chale.....

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Fifteen (15) - What it is about?

Chapter Fifteen of Bhagwat Gita is entitled "The Yoga of the Supreme Person."

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Fifteen (15) is entitled "The Yoga of the Supreme Person." This Chapter has a total of 20 verses.

Verses 1 to 6 are about the description of the Universe as a tree and the means of God-Realization.

Verses 7 to 11 are about the Jivatma, or the Individual soul.

Verses 12 to 15 are about the God & His Glory described.

Verses 16 to 20 describe about the Perishable (bodies of all beings), the imperishable (Jivatma) and the Supreme Person.

To read complete Chapter Fifteen (15) Verse by Verse in Original Sanskrit Language Text & its English Translation......Click here to read...........Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Fifteen (Chapter-15)

"Suraj Ki Garmi Se Jalte Huay Tan Ko" - Lord Rama Prayer - Music Video

"Suraj Ki Garmi Se Jalte Huay Tan Ko Mil Jaye Taruvar Ki Chhaya" is a great Devotional prayer sung in the praise of Hindu God Rama. It has been sung by "Sharma Bandhus" & they earlier sung it for the Hindi film 'Parinay' which was the first and last playback song of the group.



Lyrics: "Suraj Ki Garmi Se Jalte Huay Tan Ko" - Lord Rama Prayer

Jaise suraj ki garmi se jalte hue tan ko
Mil jaaye taruvar ki chhaaya
Suraj ki garmi se jalte hue tan ko
Mil jaaye taruvar ki chhaaya
Aisa hi sukh mere mann ko mila hai
Main jab se sharan teri aaya, mere ram

Suraj ki garmi se jalte hue tan ko
Mil jaaye taruvar ki chhaaya
(Bhatka hua mera mann tha koi
Mil na raha tha sahaara) - 2
Laheron se ladti hui naav ko - 2
Jaise mil na raha ho kinaara
Mil na raha ho kinaara
Us ladkhadaati hui naav ko jo
Kisi ne kinaara dikhaaya
Aisa hi sukh mere mann ko mila hai
Main jab se sharan teri aaya, mere ram

Suraj ki garmi se jalte hue tan ko
Mil jaaye taruvar ki chhaaya
Sheetal bani aag chandan ke jaisi
Raaghav krupa ho jo teri - 2
(Ujiyaali poonam ki ho jaaye raatein
Jo thi amaavas andheri) - 2
Jo thi amaavas andheri
Yug yug se pyaasi marubhumi ne jaise
Saawan ka sandes paaya
Aisa hi sukh mere mann ko mila hai
Main jab se sharan teri aaya, mere ram

Suraj ki garmi se jalte hue tan ko
Mil jaaye taruvar ki chhaaya
(Jis raah ki manzil tera milan ho
Us par kadam main badhaaoon) - 2
(Phoolon mein khaaron mein patjhad bahaaron mein
Main na kabhi dagmagaaoon) - 2
Main na kabhi dagmagaaoon
(Paani ke pyaase ko taqdeer ne jaise
Jee bhar ke amrit pilaaya) - 2
Aisa hi sukh mere mann ko mila hai
Main jab se sharan teri aaya, mere ram

Suraj ki garmi se jalte hue tan ko
Mil jaaye taruvar ki chhaaya
Aisa hi sukh mere mann ko mila hai
Main jab se sharan teri aaya, mere ram

Suraj ki garmi se jalte hue tan ko
Mil jaaye taruvar ki chhaaya

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Fourteen (14) - What it is about?

Chapter Fourteen of Bhagwat Gita is entitled "The Yoga of Classification of the three Gunas."

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Fourteen (14) is entitled "The Yoga of Classification of the three Gunas." This Chapter has a total of 27 verses.

Verses 1 to 4 are about the glory of Knowledge; Evolution of the World from "Prakriti" and "Purusha" (Matter and Spirit).

Verses 5 to 18 are about the qualities of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas described.

Verses 19 to 27 are about the means of God-Realization, and marks of the soul who has transcended the Gunas.

To read complete Chapter Fourteen (14) Verse by Verse in Original Sanskrit Language Text & its English Translation......Click here to read...........Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Fourteen (Chapter-14)

"Tu Pyar Ka Saagar Hai" - Hindi Bhazan - Music Video

"Tu Pyar Ka Saagar Hai" - is a Hindi Song (Bhazan) sung by MannaDe, from the Film "Saajan". Very Touching bhazan.

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Thirteen (13) - What it is about?

Chapter Thirteen of Bhagwat Gita is entitled "The Yoga of Discrimination between the Field and the Knower of the Field."

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Thirteen (13) is entitled "The Yoga of Discrimination between the Field and the Knower of the Field." This Chapter has a total of 35 verses.

Verses 1 to 18 describes the subject of the "Field" and the "Knower of the Field" with Knowledge.

Verses 19 to 35 describes the subject of "Prakriti" and "Purusha" (Matter and Spirit)
together with Knowledge.

To read complete Chapter Thirteen (13) Verse by Verse in Original Sanskrit Language Text & its English Translation......Click here to read...........Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Thirteen (Chapter-13)

"Itni Shakti Hamein Dena Daata"- a God Prayer- Ankush(1985)

"Itni Shakti Hamein Dena Daata" is a God Prayer. It is basically a song from the Bollywood Hindi Movie Ankush (1985). Very touching song. Must see.

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Twelve (12) - What it is about?

Chapter Twelve of Bhagwat Gita is entitled "The Yoga of Devotion."

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Twelve (12) is entitled "The Yoga of Devotion." This
Chapter has a total of 20 verses.

Verses 1 to 12 describes the respective merits of the worshippers of God with Form and without Form and the means of God-Realization.

Verses 13 to 20 describes about the Marks of the God-realized soul.

To read complete Chapter Twelve (12) Verse by Verse in Original Sanskrit Lanuage Text & its English Translation......Click here to read...........Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Twelve (Chapter-12)

"Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram" - Lord Rama Chant / Prayer

"Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram" is a Devotional Chant / prayer sung in the praise of Hindus God Rama. A beautiful Chant pleasing to the ears.

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Eleven (11) - What it is about?

Chapter Eleven of Bhagwat Gita is entitled "The Yoga of the Vision of the Universal Form."

Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Eleven (11) is entitled "The Yoga of the Vision of the Universal Form."
This Chapter has a total of 55 verses.

Verses 1 to 4 are about the prayer of Arjuna to the Lord for a vision of His Universal Form.

Verses 5 to 8 are about the when Lord describes His Universal Form.

Verses 9 to 14 are about the when Sanjaya describes the Lord's Universal Form to Dhrtarastra.

Verses 15 to 31 In these verses Arjuna sees the Lord's Universal Form and offers praises to the Lord.

Verses 32 to 34 are about the when Lord describes His glory and exhorts Arjuna to fight.

Verses 35 to 46 are about the when Arjuna overtaken by fright, offers praises to God and prays for a sight of the Lord's Four-armed Form.

Verses 47 to 50 are about the when Lord describes the glory of the vision of His Universal Form & reveals to Arjuna His Four-armed gentle Form.

Verses 51 to 55 are about the when Lord describes that it is impossible to attain the sight of the Lord's Four-armed Form without exclusive Devotion, which is described with its fruit.

To read complete Chapter Eleven (11) Verse by Verse in Original Sanskrit Language Text & its English Translation......Click here to read...........Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Eleven (Chapter-11)

Shiv Bhajan- "Shiv Shanker Ko Jisne Puja Uska Beda Paar Hua" - Music Video

"Shiv Shanker Ko Jisne Puja Uska Beda Paar Hua" is a devotional prayer to God Shiva.