Does Karma Really Exist?

Everyone in this world is experiencing the results of one’s own karmas (past deeds). And it generally happens that while experiencing the effect of our past life’s karma, we simultaneously bind new karma for our next life. This binding of new karma happens based on what our deep inner intent is. If it is that of vengeance, we bind demerit karmas which shall result in actions of revenge in the next birth. And if our inner intent is that of forgiveness, we bind merit karmas, the result of which shall be in the form of peace and amicability. In this manner, we trap ourselves in the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Hence, do not ever spoil your intent. When you believe that no harm should come to any living being, then you are not held accountable for anything that happens to them. So keep compassion. And every morning when you begin your day, repeat this five times: “I do not wish to hurt any living being through my mind, my speech, or my body”, and be firm and resolute in your determination.


In reality no person is ever bad, it is only his effect karma that makes him seem good or bad. The person is not at fault, but the circumstances make him appear so. Therefore, people who cause us pain must be forgiven. And no bad feelings or prejudice should be harnessed towards them as they too are swayed by the effects of the karma of their past life. ‘Whatever happens is correct’ is the principle to be followed for everything unfolds according to the effects of one’s past karmas.

And who knows, after causing you hurt, he could be repenting for his doing. Nature forgives a man, who sincerely repents over his committed fault. No matter how terrible one’s mistake may be, if he earnestly prays to God and asks for forgiveness, his bad karmas to a great extent get released and his faults eventually disappear. If we continue to see such a person guilty, wouldn’t it be our fault?

Yet, if you still have a negative opinion for some person, do pratikraman. Opinions are the underlying cause of all the unrest that we experience. They must be destroyed before they take root. No matter how strong your opinions are, they will begin to disappear the moment you decide you want to be rid of them.

What is pratikraman? Pratikraman means:
With true repentance in our heart, we confess our mistake before God and ask Him for forgiveness of this mistake, along with a sincere vow to not repeat the mistake ever again. We can do this without uttering a single word to the other person whom we have caused hurt through our thoughts, our words or our actions.Pratikraman clears the karmas associated with the act of hurting others. So, do pratikraman and get rid of your bitter feelings of vengeance. Everything heals with pratikraman; all conflicts get resolved and inner peace prevails. It is a remedy to successfully remove the faults that hinder us all the time.

Does this knowledge interest you? If yes, aim to reach the level where your spontaneous reaction to people cheating you or giving you pain would be, to want to bless them, rather than wanting to see them face the consequences of their karmas (actions).

Do you know, Gnani, the Enlightened One, in such a case, would not have a single negative thought towards them, but would continue to help them and give them protection with the same love? This is because He dwells in the Self. The Self of every living being is ‘Pure Soul’. When we realize this Self, which is uniform in every individual, the differences begin to dissolve automatically.

Gnani has realized the Self and He has the spiritual powers to make us realize our Self too!!! After Self-realization, If someone cheats or gives you pain, you may still get angry. But no issues. When you remain the Knower and the Seer of the rage that occurs, it will automatically leave without binding new karmas. The atoms of rage that were present within you will get cleansed and dissipate.

Thus, after Self-Realization things change!! Rather than sitting in our worldly self and seeing faults of anyone, we begin to reside in our real Self and see faults within us. This state is very different and worth experiencing. But for now, we’ll focus on doing pratikraman and erase our mistakes, until we meet Gnani and attain Self-Realization one day…

Interested to know more about the Self-Realization? Read

Authored by: Dada Bhagwan