Karma: The Operating Cycle of Cause and Effect

Ms. Pooja Kumari

Assistant Professor

Faculty of Commerce and Management, Kalinga University

pooja.kumari@kalingauniversity.ac.in

Human existence is a magnificent tapestry woven by a force called ‘Karma’ through our actions, thoughts and intentions. It’s not just a philosophical concept but an operating cycle that shapes the very fabric of our lives. Vision this for a moment: You toss a pebble into a still pond and ripples spread out in all directions. Here, the tossed pebble represents your actions. And the ripples are the effects of those actions, reaching far and wide, touching everything in their path. This is the essence of karma—a simple yet profound law of cause and effect. This is not merely a statement. Empirical data and evidence from various fields of study support the notion of karma as an operating cycle.

In psychology, researchers have found that our actions not only influence our immediate surroundings but also have a ripple effect on our own psyche. Kindness begets kindness, while negativity breeds negativity. This phenomenon, known as the “law of reciprocity,” is a fundamental aspect of human behaviour.

Studies in sociology have demonstrated how cultural values and societal norms impact our behaviour, which in turn affects the environment we live in. While a society based on injustice and inequality sometimes breeds dissatisfaction and conflict, one based on these ideals tends to promote harmony and collaboration.

Even in physics, the concept of karma finds resonance. Newton’s third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This principle applies not only to physical objects but also to the energy we emit through our thoughts, words, and deeds.

But beyond the realm of empirical evidence lies a deeper, more personal understanding of karma. It’s something you feel in the depths of your being, a knowing that every choice you make carries consequences, both seen and unseen. I’ve experienced this firsthand in my own life. There have been moments when I’ve acted out of selfishness or anger, only to face the repercussions later on. And likewise, there have been times when I’ve extended a helping hand or offered a kind word, only to see that positivity comes back to me in unexpected ways.

It’s a humble realization, to know that we are all interconnected, bound together by the threads of karma. And while we may not always see the direct effects of our actions, rest assured that the universe has a way of balancing the scales in the end. So, the next time you find yourself at a crossroads, pause and consider the ripple effect of your choices. Choose wisely, for karma is always watching, weaving its complicated web of cause and effect, shaping the course of our lives in ways both seen and unseen.

References:

1. Psychology:
   • Cialdini, R. B. (2001). Influence: Science and Practice. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
2. Sociology:
   • Durkheim, E. (1893). The Division of Labor in Society. New York: Free Press.
3. Physics:
   • Feynman, R. P., Leighton, R. B., & Sands, M. (2011). The Feynman Lectures on Physics. Basic Books.