Karmas

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A system of moral cause and effect wherein good or bad actions influence future life circumstances; the spiritual principle of cause and effect reflecting one's actions; a belief in the cyclical nature of life and reincarnation that holds individual actions play a key role in shaping destiny
2. The concept that one's actions, whether beneficial or harmful, have consequences that extend into future existences; a fundamental idea in several religious traditions linking ethical behavior to life outcomes; the notion that experiences in the present can be attributed to past deeds in a continuous flow of existence
3. An idea that suggests each individual's actions, good or bad, will return to them in some way; a principle that underscores personal responsibility and moral integrity over lifetimes; the understanding that ethical choices lead to positive or negative repercussions in the future

Etymology: The concept behind this word originates from ancient Indian religions, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, where it refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect. The term derives from the Sanskrit word "karma," which literally means "action" or "deed." In these traditions, every action—whether physical, verbal, or mental—generates consequences that influence an individual's future experiences, often extending beyond a single lifetime. The Sanskrit root "kṛ," meaning "to do" or "to make," forms the basis of the word. From this root evolved "karma," emphasizing not just any action, but morally weighted deeds that bear fruit in the cosmic balance of justice. The plural form, often seen in English as "karmas," is a straightforward English adaptation used to denote multiple instances or types of these actions and their results. The term entered English usage largely through the translations and studies of Eastern philosophy and religion during the 18th and 19th centuries, a period marked by increased Western interest in Indian texts. Initially, it was used primarily within academic and spiritual discussions, but it gradually extended into popular culture, where it sometimes took on a more casual or metaphorical sense related to fate or destiny. This transition from a deeply religious and philosophical concept to a more secular, everyday idea illustrates how words can broaden and shift as they cross cultural boundaries. While its original framework emphasizes moral causality and the cycle of rebirth, contemporary usage often simplifies it to mean the idea that "what goes around comes around," reflecting a universal human intuition about justice and consequence.

Synonyms: destinies, fates, karmic results