Karma in Sanatan Dharma: Meaning, Types, Law of Action & Moksha

What is Karma in Sanatan Dharma and what is its Meaning, Types, Law of Action & Spiritual Significance in Sanatan Dharma? 

By Subhalakshmi's Sanatan World

Introduction to Karma in Sanatan Dharma

In Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism), Karma is one of the most fundamental spiritual principles governing human life. The word Karma comes from the Sanskrit root “Kri”, which means to act, to do, or to perform. According to Sanatan Dharma, every action—physical, verbal, or mental—creates consequences that shape our present and future experiences.

Karma is not merely fate or destiny; rather, it is a law of cause and effect that emphasizes personal responsibility, moral conduct, and spiritual evolution.

Meaning of Karma in Hindu Philosophy

In simple terms, Karma means action and its result. Whatever a person thinks, speaks, or does leaves an impression (samskara) on the soul.

“As you sow, so shall you reap.”

This ancient wisdom perfectly explains the concept of Karma.

Good actions generate positive outcomes, while negative actions lead to suffering. However, Karma is not instant punishment or reward—it may manifest immediately, later in life, or even in future births.

Karma According to Hindu Scriptures

The doctrine of Karma is clearly explained in major Hindu texts such as:

Bhagavad Gita

Upanishads

Vedas

Puranas

Bhagavad Gita on Karma

Lord Krishna explains Karma Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita:

“You have the right to perform your duties, but not to the fruits of your actions.” (Gita 2.47)

This teaches selfless action (Nishkama Karma)—performing duties without attachment to results.

Types of Karma in Sanatan Dharma

Hindu philosophy classifies Karma into three main types:

1. Sanchita Karma (Accumulated Karma)

Total Karma accumulated from all past lives

Stored like a spiritual account

Determines the framework of future experiences

2. Prarabdha Karma (Activated Karma)

Portion of Sanchita Karma responsible for the current birth

Cannot be avoided

Determines birth conditions, health, family, and lifespan

3. Kriyamana or Agami Karma (Present Karma)

Karma created through current actions

Shapes future destinyo

Fully under human control

👉 Prarabdha must be experienced, but Agami Karma can change the future.

Law of Karma: Cause and Effect

The Law of Karma works impartially and universally. It teaches that:

Every action has a reaction

No deed goes unnoticed

Intentions matter as much as actions

Unlike divine punishment, Karma is a natural moral law, guiding the soul toward self-realization and balance (Dharma).

Karma and Rebirth (Reincarnation)

Sanatan Dharma strongly connects Karma with rebirth (Punarjanma).

Unfulfilled desires and unresolved Karma lead to rebirth

The soul takes new bodies to experience Karma

Liberation occurs when all Karma is exhausted

Thus, Karma explains why souls experience different life situations.

Karma Yoga: The Path of Selfless Action

Karma Yoga is one of the four major spiritual paths in Hinduism, alongside:

Jnana Yoga (Knowledge)

Bhakti Yoga (Devotion)

Raja Yoga (Meditation)

Key Principles of Karma Yoga:

Perform duty without selfish desire

Offer actions to God

Stay detached from success and failure

Karma Yoga purifies the mind and helps attain Moksha (liberation).

Good Karma and Bad Karma

Good Karma:

Compassion

Truthfulness

Charity

Selfless service

Respect for all beings

Bad Karma:

Violence

Greed

Dishonesty

Ego

Harmful intentions

Sanatan Dharma emphasizes ethical living (Dharma) to generate good Karma.

Can Karma Be Changed or Destroyed?

Yes, Karma can be transformed through:

Selfless actions

Repentance and awareness

Spiritual knowledge

Bhakti (devotion)

Meditation and Yoga

According to scriptures, true knowledge dissolves accumulated Karma, leading to liberation.

Karma and Moksha

Moksha is freedom from the cycle of Karma and rebirth.

A person attains Moksha when:

Ego is dissolved

Actions are free from desire

The soul realizes its divine nature

Karma does not bind a self-realized soul.

Importance of Karma in Daily Life

The concept of Karma teaches:

Responsibility for one’s actions

Ethical decision-making

Patience during hardship

Compassion toward others

It encourages humans to live a disciplined, righteous, and purposeful life.

Modern Relevance of Karma

Even today, Karma remains highly relevant:

Promotes mental peace

Builds moral character

Encourages positive thinking

Reduces blame mindset

Karma is not superstition—it is a spiritual psychology of action.

Conclusion

In Sanatan Dharma, Karma is the foundation of human existence. It explains suffering, happiness, rebirth, and liberation. By understanding and practicing right Karma, a person can transform life into a spiritual journey toward self-realization and eternal freedom.

Right action leads to right destiny.