Karma literally means “action”.  karma is both action and the result of action. What we experience today is the result of our karma—both good and bad—created by our previous actions.

 

The law of karma is the law of action and reaction, illustrated by the well known saying “what we reap is what we sow”, and also the law of retribution, which explains that “what we receive is the result of what we did in the past”. Nothing is by accident, merit, demerit, honor, or dishonor; any happening in our lives is the result of karma. The philosophy of karma is at the foundation of many indic religions.  Understand how this law applies in life, helps us to spiritualize our life and progress.

 

Karma is neither good nor bad. From the point of view of the Atman or soul, karma is that which binds us to the wheel of birth and death; the goal of the Yogi is to break through the chain of karma and release himself from all bondage caused by spiritual ignorance.This release from karma is gradual, as many lessons need to be learned and many experiences gathered for the individual to truly understand the Truth, which is the only thing that can set him free.