Introduction
This is a profound philosophical question that has been debated in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and many other spiritual traditions. The idea of karma suggests that every action has a consequence, shaping future experiences in this life or the next. But does karma fully determine everything, or are there other forces at play?
Let’s explore this deeply, considering the strengths and limitations of karma as an all-encompassing law, along with counterarguments and alternative perspectives.
1. The Case for Karma as the Ultimate Law
The traditional Vedic and Buddhist view holds that karma is the fundamental force governing all events on Earth.
A. The Law of Cause and Effect
• Karma functions like Newton’s Third Law, but at a moral and existential level—for every action (cause), there is a corresponding effect (reaction).
• If someone does good deeds (dharma, generosity, kindness), they will experience positive results (prosperity, happiness, peace).
• If someone engages in unethical acts (violence, greed, deception), they will face negative consequences (suffering, loss, rebirth in a lower state).
Example:
• A cruel dictator who causes immense suffering may be reborn in a lower state (an animal or a suffering human) due to his karma.
• A compassionate person who selflessly serves others may experience happiness, spiritual growth, or even enlightenment.
B. Karma Explains Suffering and Inequality
• Some people are born rich, healthy, or talented, while others suffer from birth.
• Karma explains this as past-life actions carrying forward into the present life.
• Instead of seeing suffering as random or unjust, karma suggests that each person is reaping what they have sown.
Example:
• A child born into extreme poverty may have accumulated negative karma from a past life of selfishness or wrongdoing.
• Conversely, a child born into a loving, wealthy family may have earned that through good karma in past lives.
C. Karma Upholds Cosmic Justice
• Many people commit crimes, harm others, or cheat the system but never get punished—karma ensures they cannot escape consequences forever.
• The universe is self-regulating, and everything balances out over lifetimes.
Example:
• A corrupt businessman may enjoy wealth in this life, but his next life could be one of great suffering if his karma is negative.
• A person who faces unjust persecution may actually be burning off past bad karma, allowing them to be free in the next life.
2. The Case Against Karma as the Only Force Governing Reality
While karma is a strong moral framework, it does not fully explain everything that happens on Earth. There are other factors—some random, some divine, some influenced by human free will.
A. Free Will Can Alter Karma
• If karma controlled everything 100%, then people would be trapped in fate.
• But Hinduism and Buddhism also teach that awareness, devotion, and spiritual practice can override past karma.
Example:
• A person born with bad karma (due to past mistakes) can change their destiny through righteous living, prayer, and spiritual discipline.
• Bhakti (devotion) or self-realization in Advaita Vedanta can “burn” past karma, liberating the soul instantly.
Real-Life Example:
• Valmiki, the writer of the Ramayana, was a thief and murderer but completely transformed through devotion to Lord Rama, becoming a great sage.
B. Divine Grace Can Override Karma
• In many spiritual traditions, God (Krishna, Shiva, the Buddha, Jesus) is beyond karma and has the power to liberate souls from karmic bondage.
• Pure devotion (bhakti) is said to transcend karma, leading directly to moksha (liberation).
Example:
• The Bhagavad Gita (18:66) says: “Abandon all varieties of dharma and surrender unto Me; I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”
• This means that if one fully surrenders to God, karma no longer binds them.
Real-Life Example:
• Ajāmila (from the Bhagavata Purana) was a sinful man, but as he was dying, he chanted “Narayana” (a name of God), and his karma was erased, granting him liberation.
C. Random Events and Chaos Exist
• If karma controlled everything, there would be no random accidents, natural disasters, or seemingly undeserved suffering.
• However, we see natural calamities (earthquakes, floods, pandemics) affecting thousands of innocent people.
• Some events appear to be random or beyond individual karma.
Example:
• A plane crash kills 300 people—did all 300 have bad karma? Or was it just a random accident?
• Some children are born with genetic diseases—is it all karmic punishment, or is nature imperfect?
D. Collective Karma vs. Individual Karma
• Sometimes, entire societies suffer (wars, economic collapses, pandemics), which suggests collective karma, not just individual karma.
Example:
• World War II led to suffering for millions—can we say every single person deserved it? Or was it a mix of karma, human error, and historical forces?
3. Alternative Perspectives on Fate vs. Karma
Philosophy Does Karma Control Everything?
Hinduism (Advaita Vedanta) No—realizing the Self (Atman = Brahman) dissolves karma.
Bhakti Yoga (Krishna Consciousness) No—pure devotion to God erases karma.
Buddhism (Theravada & Mahayana) Mostly—karma shapes existence, but mindfulness and enlightenment can break free from it.
Jainism Yes—karma is a physical substance that clings to the soul. Only extreme austerity can burn it away.
Western Philosophies (Existentialism, Chaos Theory) No—life is random, shaped by personal choices and chance events.
4. The Balanced View: Karma, Free Will, and Divine Grace
The best answer is a combination of all perspectives:
✅ Karma sets the conditions of our life (birth, challenges, natural tendencies).
✅ Free will allows us to change our destiny (through actions, wisdom, and devotion).
✅ Divine grace can override karma completely (for those who surrender spiritually).
Final Thought: Karma is Not a Cage—It’s a Guide
• If karma ruled everything, there would be no hope for change.
• If karma didn’t exist at all, life would feel random and unjust.
• The middle path recognizes that we are responsible for our actions, but also have the power to rise above them through self-awareness and spirituality.
What Do You Think?
• Do you believe karma governs all reality?
• Or do free will and divine intervention play a bigger role?
• What personal experiences have made you question or believe in karma?
Let’s discuss! Also, feel free to connect with Vivek Singhal to discuss further, if interested.