Karma Summary

Karma is not a reward or punishment system; it’s the software you write for yourself, shaping your life and destiny.

1. Karma is self-generated, not imposed.

Karma is often misunderstood as a cosmic justice system that rewards or punishes based on past actions. However, Sadhguru explains that karma is entirely self-generated. It’s not an external force but an internal cycle of cause and effect that we create through our thoughts, emotions, and actions. This cycle shapes our personality and influences how we perceive and interact with the world.

The process begins with a mental reaction to a stimulus, which triggers a chemical response in the body, leading to a physical sensation. Over time, these repeated patterns form a “scent” or vasana, which attracts or repels certain situations and people. For instance, someone with a pattern of distrust may repeatedly find themselves in relationships that reinforce their mistrust. This cycle is not destiny; it’s a program we’ve written for ourselves.

The good news is that karma is not in control—you are. By becoming aware of these patterns, you can rewrite your internal software and take charge of your life. This understanding empowers you to break free from repetitive cycles and live with greater joy and confidence.

Examples

• A person who constantly feels victimized may unknowingly attract situations that reinforce this belief.
• Someone with a positive outlook often finds opportunities and connections that align with their optimism.
• A person who repeatedly chooses toxic relationships may be influenced by unresolved karmic patterns.

2. Karma is shaped by intention, not just action.

Actions alone don’t define karma; the intention behind them plays a bigger role. Sadhguru illustrates this with the example of violence. If someone harms another in a moment of rage, their karma is different from someone who harbors hatred and plans harm over time. Even without taking physical action, negative thoughts and intentions can accumulate significant karmic weight.

This concept highlights the power of volition. Humans, unlike animals, have the freedom to choose their thoughts and behaviors. Every thought carries consequences, shaping our karmic load. By becoming conscious of our intentions, we can create a life of purpose and reduce unnecessary suffering.

For instance, someone who performs a kind act out of genuine love creates positive karma, while someone who does the same act for recognition may add to their karmic burden. The key is to act with awareness and authenticity, aligning your intentions with your values.

Examples

• A person who donates to charity out of love creates positive energy, while someone who donates for praise may feel unfulfilled.
• Harboring resentment toward a colleague, even without acting on it, can create internal turmoil and negative karma.
• Choosing to forgive someone, even silently, can lighten your emotional and karmic load.

3. Memory plays a central role in karma.

Karma is deeply tied to memory, which exists on multiple levels. Sadhguru explains that everything we experience is stored as memory, influencing our responses and behaviors. Yogic tradition identifies eight dimensions of memory, ranging from genetic and evolutionary to sensory and karmic. These layers shape our individuality and the patterns we carry through life.

For example, scientific studies have shown that trauma can be passed down through generations, as seen in experiments with mice conditioned to fear a specific smell. Similarly, humans carry memories from their ancestors, which can manifest as fears, preferences, or tendencies. These memories form a karmic warehouse called sanchita, from which a portion is allotted to us in each lifetime.

The goal is to unload this karmic memory by becoming aware of it and consciously choosing how to respond. By doing so, we can break free from inherited patterns and live more freely.

Examples

• A person with a fear of water may be influenced by ancestral memories of drowning.
• Someone with a natural talent for music may carry genetic or karmic memory from a musically gifted ancestor.
• A family tradition of generosity may shape an individual’s values and actions.

4. The ultimate goal is to shed your karmic load.

According to Sadhguru, the purpose of life is to return to the pure intelligence from which we originated. This process involves shedding the karmic load that binds us to the illusion of individuality. Karma operates on three levels—physical, mental, and energetic—and must be addressed on all three to achieve liberation.

Physical actions, thoughts, and energy imprints all contribute to karma. For instance, even a simple handshake can create a karmic connection. To unload karma, it’s important to distance yourself from these entanglements without detaching from life. Sadhguru emphasizes the importance of being fully involved in life while remaining free from its binding effects.

By consciously choosing your actions and thoughts, you can begin to dissolve your karmic patterns and move closer to liberation. This process requires mindfulness, self-awareness, and a commitment to living authentically.

Examples

• Practicing yoga can help release physical and energetic karmic imprints.
• Meditating on the present moment can reduce mental entanglements with the past and future.
• Choosing to act with love and joy, rather than obligation, can lighten your karmic load.

5. You can’t change your past karma, but you can shape your future.

While you can’t erase the karma you’ve already accumulated, you have the power to decide how to respond to it. Sadhguru shares the story of a yogi who misinterprets a divine message, choosing to emulate a crippled fox instead of a brave lion. This story illustrates that while we can’t control our circumstances, we can control our perspective and actions.

By acting with awareness and love, you can transform your karmic experience. For example, someone facing a challenging situation can choose to see it as an opportunity for growth rather than a punishment. This shift in perspective can reduce suffering and create positive karma.

The key is to live with intention and embrace each moment as an opportunity to create a better future. By doing so, you can break free from the cycle of karma and live with greater freedom and joy.

Examples

• A person who loses their job can choose to see it as a chance to pursue a new passion.
• Someone who experiences betrayal can use the experience to cultivate forgiveness and resilience.
• A person facing illness can focus on gratitude and self-care rather than despair.

6. Physical actions can create or dissolve karma.

Physical actions, even seemingly insignificant ones, can leave karmic imprints. For instance, a handshake or a shared meal can create a karmic connection. To minimize these imprints, Sadhguru recommends practices like yoga, which can help release stored energy and reduce karmic entanglements.

Certain physical spaces can also influence karma. Places where mystics have meditated or where natural energies are strong can have a cleansing effect. By engaging in physical practices and spending time in such spaces, you can begin to shed your karmic load.

The key is to approach physical actions with mindfulness and intention, recognizing their potential to shape your karmic experience.

Examples

• Practicing yoga can help release physical and energetic tension.
• Visiting a sacred site can provide a sense of peace and renewal.
• Choosing to engage in acts of service with love can create positive energy.

7. The present moment is the key to freedom.

Sadhguru emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment. The past is a memory, and the future is imagination—both are mental constructs. By focusing on the present, you can free yourself from the burdens of memory and expectation.

This doesn’t mean ignoring the past or future. Instead, it means recognizing their influence and choosing to live consciously in the now. For example, someone who dwells on past mistakes may feel trapped, but by focusing on the present, they can take steps to create a better future.

Living in the present allows you to harmonize with the world around you and experience life more fully. It’s a practice that requires mindfulness and self-awareness but can lead to greater freedom and joy.

Examples

• Meditating on your breath can help anchor you in the present moment.
• Practicing gratitude for the present can reduce anxiety about the future.
• Engaging fully in a task, like cooking or gardening, can bring a sense of peace and fulfillment.

8. Energy is eternal, and karma lives on through it.

The energy body carries karma beyond physical death. Sadhguru explains that energy is neither created nor destroyed; it’s transformed. Mystics who cleanse their energy body of karma can merge with the divine, escaping the cycle of rebirth.

For most people, the energy body carries unresolved karma into the next life. This is why it’s important to address karma while you’re alive. Practices like meditation and yoga can help cleanse the energy body and reduce karmic imprints.

By working on your energy body, you can move closer to liberation and experience a deeper connection with the divine.

Examples

• A mystic who sheds all karma can merge with the divine at death.
• Meditation can help release energetic blockages and reduce karmic weight.
• Practicing mindfulness can create a sense of unity with the world.

9. Liberation comes from letting go of individuality.

The ultimate goal of shedding karma is to dissolve the illusion of individuality. Sadhguru compares this process to removing a single pin that unravels a complex piece of jewelry. By letting go of attachments and self-centeredness, you can experience true freedom.

This doesn’t mean losing your sense of self. Instead, it means recognizing that your individuality is part of a greater whole. By living with love and compassion, you can align with this greater truth and move closer to liberation.

The process requires self-awareness and a willingness to let go of ego-driven desires. But by doing so, you can experience a life of greater joy and connection.

Examples

• Practicing selfless acts of service can help dissolve the ego.
• Meditating on the interconnectedness of all life can create a sense of unity.
• Letting go of material attachments can bring a sense of freedom and peace.

Takeaways

1. Practice mindfulness daily to become aware of your thoughts and actions, reducing karmic accumulation.
2. Engage in yoga or meditation to cleanse your physical and energy bodies of karmic imprints.
3. Reflect on your attachments and consciously let go of those that no longer serve you, fostering freedom and joy.