Karma simply depicts “action.” It recognizes the metaphysical notion that for every action, there is a reverberating reaction. The reaction may take place immediately or after some time. It says in Bhagavad Gita chapter 3 verses 35, “It is better to perform one’s prescribed duties; even it has some faults in it, rather than performing someone else’s duty perfectly.” The karmic reactions developed by the Indian philosophy are believed to operate at all times. That says most about the universal belief that that goes around comes around. The actions you do now will bring reactions, whether good or bad, and whether now or later. 

Karma relates to actions that form the string of cause and effect. From this chain, three kinds of karma have been developed:

  • Past karma: this has to do with karma accumulated from the past. All actions from the past are gathered and may affect the person in the current life cycle. This means the karma runs from the past into the present.
  • Present karma: this explains the current condition. It includes everything that is presently happening which cannot be changed or avoided. These reactions may result from past actions, so to change them, one has to make an opposite reaction to change the karma in the nearest future.
  • Future karma: future karma implies the reactions to the present actions. Thus, all present actions will accumulate to what bring corresponding reactions in the future. Future karma solely depends on the present actions and can be designed by choice. 

What brings about karma is your actions controlled by your dharma. Dharma is recognized as “morality” or “duty.” It is your consciousness of righteousness and your position between right and wrong. You must understand that what is good and bad differs from person to person. Each person possesses dharma that is reliant on four principles.

  • Rita-Dharma: This is a connection to the universe and higher forces of nature. Essentially, one small event connects to the universe.
  • Varna-Dharma: This embraces the idea of societal duties and responsibilities of each person.
  • Ashram-Dharma: This relates to the changes in duties and responsibilities that are determined by age. For instance, what each person will do rests on the stages in their lifespan.
  • Sva-Dharma: This has to do with the inner existence of each person, his ego and mind. It says whatever a person does is a result of his thoughts, ego, and inner world.

All these four principles of morality tend to validate the idea that every person is individually connected to the universe. His actions and inactions are his alone and connected to his choices, age, past and present situations, and general lifestyle. This, therefore, means their dharma determines a person’s actions. Their present actions will come back as karma, which in turn influences their choices again. 

Since karma operates in cycles, it, therefore, means you are bound to experience the consequences of your past actions in the present or future. This is what the yogic philosophy regard as samsara. However, the philosophy also includes that you can be freed from this consequence cycle. You can achieve this goal through yoga, particularly the Yamas and Niyamas, with moral codes, observances, and meditation.