*By Dr. Devan
Life runs on laws. Some are visible, like the laws of physics that govern motion, energy, and matter. Others are invisible, operating silently in the background, shaping human lives in ways more powerful than any physical law. Among these unseen forces, none is as profound, impartial, and inescapable as the law of karma.
Karma is often misunderstood as a mystical idea or a vague threat, but in reality, it is a law of action and consequence, as precise and inevitable as gravity. Just as what goes up must come down, what we give out must return. If we truly accept that karma is the only factor that decides what we receive when it is given, then the implications are staggering. It means that our fate, fortune, and fulfillment are not determined by chance, by destiny written in the stars, or by the whims of others, but by our own choices.
Every thought, word, and deed is like a seed. What we plant today, consciously or unconsciously, we will reap tomorrow. This is the essence of karma.
The Illusion of Chance
The human mind often blames or praises external forces for what happens in life. Some say it is luck, others call it fate, while some resign themselves to injustice. We look at those who prosper and feel envy. We look at those who struggle and feel pity. Yet, beneath these surface observations lies the balancing scale of karma.
Imagine a farmer sowing seeds in his field. He plants rice but later stands in the field expecting wheat. When wheat does not grow, he curses the soil, the rain, or the gods. But the soil was neutral; it only gave back what was planted. Life works the same way. If we sow dishonesty, selfishness, or cruelty, how can we expect love, trust, or peace to return to us?
This is where karma demands both responsibility and humility. It strips away excuses and forces us to look within. Nothing comes without a cause, and the cause always lies in what we have given.
Karma as the Eternal Judge
What makes karma unique is its impartiality. Unlike human systems of justice, it cannot be bribed, deceived, or manipulated. It does not distinguish between rich and poor, powerful and weak, believer and non-believer. Karma simply reflects action with consequence.
This explains why some people face hardships despite appearing virtuous in the present. Their suffering may be the settling of past debts. Others may flourish despite apparent wrongdoing, not because they have escaped justice, but because past seeds of good are still bearing fruit. Eventually, every account is balanced. Karma is not about punishment or reward—it is about perfect balance.
Take the story of King Ashoka. Before becoming one of India’s most revered rulers, he was once a ruthless conqueror, feared for his cruelty. The massacre at Kalinga left him haunted, a karmic debt pressing on his conscience. That suffering became the turning point in his life, leading him to embrace compassion and Buddhism. Karma did not destroy him; it corrected him. It guided him toward evolution.
Karma as Correction, Not Punishment
Many people fear karma as though it were a cosmic punisher. But in truth, karma is a teacher. The experiences it brings—whether joyous or painful—are not random. They are lessons tailored to our growth.
If a person has been arrogant, life will bring them experiences that humble them. If someone has been careless, circumstances will force them to take responsibility. A heart that has been cold may be broken so that it learns compassion. Every wound carries wisdom. Every hardship is a correction.
This perspective transforms how we respond to suffering. Instead of asking, “Why me?” we can ask, “What is this teaching me?” Pain becomes purposeful. Struggle becomes sacred. Every consequence is a stepping stone to a higher self.
Living With the Awareness of Karma
If karma is the deciding factor of what we receive, then our actions today are the architects of our future. This knowledge should not paralyze us with fear but liberate us with clarity.
It means:
Every act of kindness is an investment in joy.
Every dishonest word is a debt waiting to be repaid.
Every gesture of love is a seed that will blossom into fulfillment.
Every harm inflicted will return, demanding to be balanced.
With this awareness, we begin to act consciously. We choose honesty over deceit, generosity over greed, forgiveness over vengeance—not because someone is watching or rewarding us, but because we understand the law. To live in alignment with karma is to live with integrity, even when unseen.
Karma in Daily Life
Consider relationships. Many wonder why love fails or friendships sour. The answer often lies in the energy they put into the bond. If we give half-hearted attention, dishonesty, or selfishness, the relationship mirrors it back. But when we give patience, understanding, and sincerity, we create bonds that nourish us.
The workplace is another stage for karma. A person who advances through manipulation or exploitation may seem successful temporarily, but sooner or later, the truth emerges, and their empire crumbles. Meanwhile, one who works with diligence and fairness may take longer to rise, but their foundation is unshakable.
Even in small, everyday actions—holding the door for someone, speaking respectfully, helping without expectation—we shape our karmic future. Life notices everything. Nothing is wasted.
Stories and Illustrations
The Boomerang
A wise teacher once told his disciple: “Every thought and deed is like a boomerang. What you throw out will circle back to you. Throw anger, and anger will strike you. Throw love, and love will embrace you. You cannot escape what you send out.”
The Mirror
Imagine standing before a mirror and frowning, expecting it to smile back. Impossible. The mirror only reflects what is shown to it. Life is that mirror. If we want joy reflected back, we must radiate joy.
The Garden
Our mind and actions are like seeds planted in the soil of time. Neglect the garden, and weeds of suffering grow. Tend it with care, water it with kindness, and it will yield flowers of peace and abundance.
Liberation Through Karma
The greatest gift of karma is that it frees us from victimhood. We are not at the mercy of others, nor are we helpless against fate. We hold the brush and paint our destiny stroke by stroke.
This realization is empowering. It means we cannot blame others for our suffering, nor depend on others for our happiness. We are the source. We are the creators. Every moment is an opportunity to shape the future with conscious choices.
It also makes forgiveness easier. If someone wrongs us, we need not carry the poison of revenge. Karma will take care of the balance. Our task is only to ensure that our own actions do not create further debt.
Acting Accordingly
If karma is the only deciding factor, then acting accordingly becomes the wisest path. What does this mean in practice?
Be mindful of thoughts. Every thought is a vibration that sets future events into motion. Nurture positive, constructive thoughts.
Speak with integrity. Words are seeds. Lies and harshness return as distrust and pain, while truth and encouragement return as respect and harmony.
Act with compassion. Every selfless act creates ripples that eventually return to uplift us.
Avoid harm. Causing pain to others is like wounding oneself in advance.
Practice gratitude. A grateful heart attracts abundance, because gratitude itself is a form of giving.
Conclusion
In the end, karma is not a threat but a promise. It is the universe’s guarantee that nothing is wasted and nothing is forgotten. Every smile, every sacrifice, every act of love is recorded and will return multiplied. Every harm, every deceit, every selfish act is also recorded and will return—not to punish us, but to teach us.
If karma is the only factor that decides what we get when it is given, then the path is clear: act accordingly. Plant seeds of kindness, live with integrity, embrace compassion, and let your life be a continuous offering of goodness. For what you give, you will always receive—sometimes sooner, sometimes later, but always with perfect justice.
To live with this awareness is to live wisely. To act accordingly is to ensure that when life returns its harvest, it will be rich, beautiful, and worthy of the soul that planted it.
*Dr Devan is a Mangaluru-based ENT specialist and author.
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