Karma and Reincarnation

Every mental and physical action is karma in its widest sense. Each individual action and thought leave their indelible seed within creation, bearing their inevitable fruit in due time. The karmic effect on personal conduct and character is a powerful force, and a prod to remembrance of the origin of the individual’s true nature.

All actions we see in the manifest world are merely the display of thought and human will. The universal law of causation, operating in the physical and mental planes, is the sum total of thoughts and actions in both the present life, as well as in previous births. According to the laws of karma, whatever we are currently passing through is a direct result of our previous deeds. This inexorable functioning of divine law is eloquently and unmistakably stated in the scriptural teaching “as we sow, so shall we reap.”

There is motive behind all action and thought. Desire produces karma, and the desirous thoughts find their ultimate fruition in the fresh actions of the individual. Thinking is mental karma, for every thought remains in the ether, exerting positive or negative forces on the individual.

The understanding of the laws of karma is a tremendous source of inspiration and solace and in time, cultivates fearlessness. Santosha (contentment) comes easily. Until then, the mind is always restless, worrying, doubting, concerned.

Yogis understand that all we are currently experiencing is the reactive result of past action, thus we are in direct control of our future. This is the science extolled in the Bhagavad Gita. By understanding how to act, one can achieve serene introspection and harmonious results. The aim of all work is to bring the mind out of inner individual identification and awaken the soul to its sublime remembrance.

The embodied soul, assuming various names and forms, engages in action due to the thoughts and characteristics of the mind. Some desire name and fame, and their actions are executed in the intent of that motive. Some desire a spouse, children or family; those individuals are working toward that end. Others have a strong desire for God and liberation; they are working toward that end.

But there is another being all together: the yogi. The yogi works for the sake of work—for the greater good of all, without a desire for the fruits of name and fame, material wealth, family or even the attaining of heaven. Love and unselfishness are the doctrines of the yogi and they form the highest ideal. The Bhagavad Gita teaches, “To work we have the right, but never to the fruit.” The yogi remains unconcerned with the fruit. This is the very essence of yoga—non attachment to the fruits of actions.

God has no favoritism. The Lord is neither partial nor tendentious, neither punishes nor rewards. All wars, epidemics, catastrophes, fortunes and misfortunes are the reactionary result of seeds long ago planted, though often forgotten. The laws of karma are inexorable. Every seed sprouts its natural fruit in time.

Thus, the law of karma is a beautiful reality in this vast sphere. An understanding of it gives hope and virtue to every searching soul. There is constant opportunity for correction of conduct and character, held directly in the mind of the individual. The future is then brightened as the yogi is propelled (through Self-knowledge and discrimination) toward thought and action that work in accordance with Universal law. There is then rapid ascension up the spiritual ladder.

The Rishis divide karma into three parts. Sanchita karma is the accumulated karmas from the past, some of which have ripened, some still in seed form. They are often seen in the tendencies, personality and character of the individual. Prarabdha karma, or the fruit-bearing karma; that which we are passing through in this incarnation. These are the actions from the past bearing their fruit in our current experiences. Kriyamana karma is future karma for which the seeds are being planted now, to sprout in future with the watering of fresh actions.

The bliss of God cannot be fully experienced in the material realm of thought, for wherever mind and thought go, individual identity exists. The yogi who understands the laws of karma will have undying peace in the perfection of God’s creation, ever-content, ever-joyful and bearing the burdens of prarabdha karma patiently: never complaining, never wishing for things to be different, never angry, never passionate. Blessed is the sadhaka who lives in conformity with the essence of Truth, for they will soon attain the exalted state.

Everything is perfect. Be happy and content with whatever you have, whatever you are passing through and wherever the Lord places you. This material realm is nothing more than a dream—a projection of light and shadow. Turn away from the illusion and get a glimpse of eternity.

Life does not end with the disintegration of the physical body and death is nothing more than the modification of etheric vibrations. Reincarnation is the doctrine of the pre-existence, immortality and individuality of the soul containing the indestructible seed from which spring forth innumerable and unique incarnations.

Desire for material objects is the catalyst for the soul’s embodiment. Just as in the limited cycle of a single life it is not possible to reap the fruit of all our actions, it is similarly improbable to fulfill all our desires in one lifetime. Passing through different bodies and mental planes, the seemingly inexhaustible longings of the individual find their ultimate fulfillment in Brahman.

The cycle of reincarnation and phenomenon of death are the greatest motivators for seeking God. We have come many times and often have subtle remembrances of our former selves. Reincarnation and the weight of our karma provide a continued opportunity for spiritual correction until the individual consciousness awakens to its forgotten state of perfection—desire-less and ever-free.

Until this perfected state is realized, the entanglements of the dualistic realm can be seen in varying temperaments and identities called, “personality.” Look at our endless differing qualities. Observe the moods, characteristics, deficiencies and habits of the individual self in the multitudes of humanity that keep pulling forth from unknown points, propelling us into various natures. You may see a murderer who says “I could not help it,” or an addict who says “I cannot stop.” Observe the suffering of the individual. Do you think they would willingly choose that? Do you think God gave them that impulse?

The answer lies in past actions. Our tendencies and nature are not indiscriminately impulsive, but a direct result of past action. All actions and thoughts reappear in future incarnations as tendencies. One need only observe the disposition and temperament of babies and children—so uniquely individual they could scarcely be believed to have been conditioned out of thin air.

Some temperaments are sweet, some are argumentative. Some are fearful by nature, some are infinitely trusting. One person gets born in the middle of a paradise to parents who love and protect them, another is born in the middle of a war zone and dies at nine years of age after a short lifetime of unimaginable suffering. Why? Do you say God is playing favorites, randomly deciding to place souls in various wombs based on partiality? These are the results of our own doing, ordained by one’s karma. Karma and reincarnation go hand in hand.

The sleep of death reveals the hidden memories of all past actions and impels the soul forward into the next incarnation. The determinative factor for present and future experiences lies in the distant and not so distant past. When the soul is converted from the mortal frame, it carries impressions and unfulfilled desires with it, thus determining, through the law of cause and effect, the ultimate re-awakening of previously unrealized longings. All actions and thoughts are stored up tendencies in the individual soul and are transmitted within the ethers.

As the yogi uncovers the subtle laws which govern the vibrating lights of souls within the three worlds, mundane desires cease and God alone is sought. The cosmic hypnosis is revealed and undue negative habits are corrected.

Each moment is an opportunity to undo negative, harmful habits and affirm new, God reminding choices. The sum total of thought and action determines whether we are happy, sad, angry, generous and on and on. Living in the past does nothing. Never call yourself a sinner. Repent for what you have done in the past, apologize and do not do it again. If in self-reflection you do not like what you see, change.

You can reincarnate every day. Balance your life with selfless action and meditation. Remember the light of God is shining within you. Never be afraid of death and do not wish for incarnations—finish your desires in this very moment and go directly to God—the Self, dwelling within.