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Is Karma Real? Here's Why I Believe It Is

Donna Murphy - Top 10 writer
A woman doing mindfulness practices.
In the journey of life, karma stands as a profound and guiding force, binding our actions to the cosmic dance of consequence and rebirth.

Beyond psychic readings lies a belief that's guided countless individuals for centuries: karma. As a psychic and practicing Buddhist for over 40 years, I've explored karma deeply, believing our actions have far-reaching effects. My belief in karma isn't just faith; it's based on observation, reflection, and a rich history of spiritual exploration.

The term "karma" itself, derived from Sanskrit, means "action," and it captures the essence of our doings, thoughts, and words. This concept aligns seamlessly with my perspective on life. If you want to know if karma exists, my experiences may shed some light—here's why I believe it's real.

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What Is Karma?

I understand karma as a law, much like the laws of physics, but it carries moral weight in its cause and effect. Growing up, I learned about a system that hands out punishment or reward for our deeds, but that didn't quite make sense to me as I got older.

In Buddhism, we believe our actions can affect us in this life and even in the next because we come back in different forms. This concept teaches us about intention. It's not just about being good or bad; it's knowing that we can always make better choices to improve our lives and futures.

The intentions that fuel what you do determine the nature and weight of your karma. Positive choices, such as compassion and love, typically yield good karma, whereas negative ones, like hatred and greed, tend to increase your karmic debt.

Karma operates on the principle of "you reap what you sow." Your actions and intentions lay the groundwork for future consequences. It's like planting seeds: Roots of kindness grow into a garden of goodwill, but negative seeds may not have the same effect.

Understanding Karma Across Different Cultures and Spiritual Traditions

Karma originates from the Upanishads, ancient Vedas scriptures that delve into philosophical concepts. Around the 1st millennium BCE, Vedic theologian Yajnavalkya proposed that our actions define us—good deeds result in positive outcomes, while bad ones have negative consequences.

In Hinduism, karma refers to the principle that every action—be it physical, mental, or emotional—carries consequences that influence your current and future lives. Buddhism shares a similar view but places greater emphasis on escaping the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and reaching enlightenment (nirvana).

Also, in New Age and Western spirituality, karma suggests that the energy you send out into the universe, whether positive or negative, will eventually circle back to you. This is why some seek to navigate the karmic landscape by consulting the future through different fortune-telling methods.

Explaining Karma to Skeptics: A Rational Perspective

When discussing karma with skeptics, start with a clear and straightforward explanation. Karma relates to the concept that actions rebound—a notion that transcends religious or mystical domains. This parallels the scientific principle of causality: every action prompts a subsequent reaction.

Additionally, adopting karma as a belief can psychologically reinforce personal accountability and compassion. Culturally, it acts as a moral compass without necessarily invoking supernatural elements. While anecdotes of personal karmic experiences lack scientific validation, we should approach discussions about karma with mutual respect and open-mindedness.

Even without scientific proof, it serves as a practical framework for ethical behavior. If you're open to exploring these ideas, recognizing signs of psychic abilities can be a step toward understanding the unseen connections between our actions and their effects.

Why I Believe Karma Is Real

The idea that what's happening in my life now is linked to past lives pushes me toward greater self-awareness and self-improvement. While I'm not sure if this will benefit any future lives I may have, I know it makes my current existence better.

Adopting karma's principles motivates me to act with more kindness and compassion—not out of fear of retribution—but because it genuinely enhances my life and the lives of others.

The impact of good deeds can often be immediate, a phenomenon some call "instant karma." Like natural laws that impose order in the physical world, karma brings clarity to life's complexities. The belief that our deeds, born from our thoughts and emotions, shape our reality deeply resonates with me.

Here are five reasons why I believe karma is real.

5 Personal Observations of Karma in Action

  1. Reciprocal kindness: Whenever I've lent a hand to those around me, such as helping a neighbor, I've often found that compassion comes back around. The more goodwill I spread, the more I encounter people ready to assist me in times of need, reflecting the positive energy I've put into the world.
  2. Consequences of harmful actions: I've witnessed individuals who've inflicted harm or been intentionally unkind to others. Although they may not face immediate consequences, over time, many seem to encounter negative repercussions as a result of their actions, which suggests a karmic effect.
  3. Lifelong influence: Believing in reincarnation, I acknowledge that our present conditions may stem from past deeds, possibly even from past lives. This perspective gives weight to the idea that our actions have long-term significance.
  4. Universal balance: I view karma as a balancing force in the universe. When I do good things, it helps keep everything peaceful. But if I do bad things, it can disturb that peace.
  5. Growth through challenges: The obstacles I've faced, often as a direct or indirect result of my own choices, have turned into important life lessons. These challenges have provided chances for spiritual awakening and personal growth, emphasizing karma's role in self-improvement.

The Link Between Karma and Reincarnation

Reincarnation posits that the soul's journey continues beyond physical death. The belief is that your existence begins anew, shaped by the karma accumulated in past lives.

In his book, "Many Lives, Many Masters," Psychiatrist Dr. Brian Weiss provides a tangible example of this. He recounted his astonishment when a patient started remembering past life experiences that made sense of her present fears and problems.

Approximately 2,500 cases of children's memories of past lives have been examined. Stories like this highlight how our behavior, growth, and beliefs about rebirth intertwine with the karma we collect.

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Embrace Karma in Your Daily Life

Living in harmony with karma's guiding force means making thoughtful, ethical choices and striving for personal growth, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life. To practice this, be conscious of your actions, show kindness, forgive, take responsibility, reflect, be generous, set positive intentions, be patient, meditate, and seek knowledge.

Incorporating these principles into daily life invites a deep commitment to mindful and ethical living. It's a transformative process that acknowledges the law of cause and effect, emphasizing the significance of your intention behind everything you do.

» Discover karma's role in your life with an insightful reading from California Psychics.

Donna Murphy - Top 10 writer
Dona Murphy writes for Top 10 as a committed Tarot practitioner and intuitive coach who transitioned from an HR career to concentrate on self-discovery, improved decision-making, and creating content, including thought leadership, blogs, web copy, and e-books.