Prarabdha karma

Definition

Prarabdha karma refers to the portion of one's accumulated karma that is responsible for the current life's experiences and situations. It is considered the segment of karma that has already begun to bear fruit, influencing one's circumstances in this lifetime, while the remaining karma is either in the form of sanchita (accumulated) or agami (future). This concept plays a crucial role in understanding how past actions shape present realities and carries significant ethical implications regarding personal responsibility and destiny.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prarabdha karma is unique because it directly shapes an individual's present circumstances, distinguishing it from other forms of karma.
2. The experiences influenced by prarabdha karma can be both positive and negative, affecting health, relationships, and opportunities.
3. Understanding prarabdha karma encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions, as it links past deeds with present realities.
4. While prarabdha karma sets the stage for current experiences, individuals still have the agency to influence their future through choices and actions.
5. Philosophically, prarabdha karma raises questions about free will versus determinism, as it suggests that certain life situations are preordained by past actions.

Review Questions

• How does prarabdha karma differentiate between past actions and their current consequences?
  • Prarabdha karma specifically refers to the subset of karma that has already begun to manifest in an individual's current life, influencing their experiences. Unlike sanchita karma, which represents all accumulated past deeds that have not yet come to fruition, prarabdha karma indicates those actions that have ripened into present circumstances. This distinction emphasizes how past actions can directly impact one's current situation while allowing for future changes based on new actions.
• Discuss the ethical implications of prarabdha karma in relation to personal responsibility.
  • Prarabdha karma has significant ethical implications because it highlights the connection between individual actions and their resulting consequences in the present. Recognizing that one’s current life is shaped by past deeds fosters a sense of personal responsibility. Individuals are encouraged to reflect on their past choices and understand that while some aspects of their life may seem predetermined due to prarabdha karma, they still possess the power to shape their future through their actions today.
• Evaluate how the concept of prarabdha karma influences perspectives on fate and free will in philosophical discussions.
  • The concept of prarabdha karma creates a dynamic dialogue between fate and free will by suggesting that while certain experiences are predestined due to past actions, individuals still have the capacity to influence future outcomes through their current behavior. This duality presents a complex philosophical landscape where one can accept some aspects of life as fated while recognizing their own agency in shaping experiences. Thus, it invites deeper contemplation on how individuals navigate life amidst preordained circumstances and personal choice.

Related terms

Karma:

The law of cause and effect where every action has consequences that determine one's future experiences.

Sanchita Karma:

The total accumulated karma from all past lives that has not yet manifested in the current life.

Agami Karma: The karma that results from current actions, impacting future lives and experiences.