Traditional Hindu philosophy describes karma in three forms based on when its results begin to take effect
The concept of karma occupies an important place in Hindu philosophical thought. Traditional teachings often divide karma into three broad categories. They are Prarabdha, Agami and Sanchita.
According to the Sanskrit verse,Vedamurthi Manjulagiri Venkataramana Bhatta expalins, these three terms describe karma based on whether its results have already begun, may arise in the future, or have accumulated from the past.
1. Prarabdha Karma: Karma That Has Begun to Bear Fruit
Prarabdha refers to karma whose results have already begun to manifest. The word is traditionally understood as karma that has started giving its result. In this framework, Prarabdha represents the portion of past actions whose consequences are already unfolding in the present. Traditional teachings therefore say that Prarabdha has to be experienced and exhausted through experience.
However, this does not mean that a person is considered completely helpless. The traditional view cited by Bhatta holds that a person can develop the strength and capacity to face Prarabdha.
2. Agami Karma: Karma That May Bear Fruit in the Future
Agami refers to karma that is yet to produce its result. It is associated with actions whose consequences may arise in the future. In simple terms: Agami = future-result karma.
The choices and actions made in the present are traditionally understood as having the potential to create future consequences. Therefore, the concept also places importance on present conduct.
3. Sanchita Karma: Accumulated Karma
Sanchita means accumulated or stored. Sanchita karma refers to karma from past actions that has accumulated. It represents the stored body of karma that has not yet begun to produce its results. In simple terms: Sanchita = accumulated past karma.
The Three Types at a Glance
| Type | Traditional meaning |
|---|---|
| Prarabdha | Karma that has begun to give its result |
| Agami | Karma that may give results in the future |
| Sanchita | Karma accumulated from past actions |
Can Karma Be Changed?
This is where the traditional explanation makes an important distinction. According to the view explained by Bhatta, the negative effects associated with Agami and Sanchita can be addressed or mitigated.
Prarabdha, however, is traditionally regarded as karma whose results have already begun and therefore must be experienced. The emphasis is not simply on escaping the result. It is also on developing the inner strength to face it.
Strength to Face Prarabdha
The traditional view does not necessarily present Prarabdha as a reason for passivity. Instead, it suggests that even when circumstances cannot simply be avoided, a person can work on developing the ability to deal with them. This distinction is important.
The result may have to be experienced. But the strength with which a person faces it can be developed. This becomes a practical dimension of the traditional teaching.
A Simple Way to Understand the Three
The three types can be remembered through their relationship with time:
Sanchita: accumulated from the past.
Prarabdha: already giving results.
Agami: capable of giving results in the future.
Together, they form a traditional framework for understanding the relationship between past actions, present experience and future consequences.
As explained by Vedamurthi Manjulagiri Venkataramana Bhatta, the teaching also carries a message about personal effort: while Prarabdha is traditionally said to be experienced, one can cultivate the strength needed to face it, while the effects of Agami and Sanchita are described as capable of being addressed.
ಪ್ರಾರಬ್ಧಾದಿ ತ್ರಿವಿಧ ಕರ್ಮಗಳು ಯಾವುವು ?
1. ಪ್ರಾರಬ್ಧ - ಫಲಕೊಡಲು ಪ್ರಾರಂà²ಿಸಿದ ಕರ್ಮ.
2. ಆಗಾಮಿ - ಇನ್ನು ಮುಂದೆ ಫಲಿಸಬಹುದಾದ ಕರ್ಮ.
3. ಸಂಚಿತ - ಹಿಂದೆ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿದ್ದು ಶೇಖರವಾದ ಕರ್ಮ.
ವಿ.ಸೂ:- ಇವುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಆಗಾಮಿ ಸಂಚಿತಗಳ ದುಷ್ಪರಿಣಾಮವನ್ನು ಪರಿಹರಿಸಬಹುದು. ಪ್ರಾರಬ್ಧವನ್ನು ಅನುà²à²µಿಸಿಯೇ ತೀರಬೇಕಾಗಿರುವುದು. ಆದರೆ ಅದನ್ನು ಅನುà²à²µಿಸುವ ಶಕ್ತಿಯನ್ನು ಪಡೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಬಹುದೆಂಬುದು ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಕಾರರ ಅà²ಿಮತ.
| ವೇದಮೂರ್ತಿ ಮಂಜುಳಗಿರಿ ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣ à²à²Ÿ್ಟ,
This article presents a traditional Hindu philosophical interpretation of karma. Different Hindu philosophical schools and texts explain the relationship between karma, action, knowledge and liberation in different ways.
Keywords: Prarabdha karma, Sanchita karma, Agami karma, three types of karma, Hindu philosophy, karma explained, Citizen News Puttur