Understanding Karmas: A Simple Guide to the 5 Types of Karma

Have you ever wondered why some things happen to you, even when you try your best? Or why sometimes good deeds seem to bring rewards, and other times they don’t? The idea of karmas can help explain this. Karma is a concept many of us have heard about, but it often feels complicated or distant. In reality, understanding the different types of karmas is quite simple and can give us powerful insights into life.

In this post, I’ll explain the 5 main types of karmas in an easy-to-understand way. I’ll share real-life examples so you can relate to each type. By the end, you’ll see how karmas influence your daily experiences and how you can work with them for a better life.

What Exactly Are Karmas?

Karma comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “action” or “deed.” It’s a universal law stating that every action you take creates energy which returns to you in some form. Think of it like planting seeds. The type of seed you plant determines the kind of fruit you will get later.

But not all karmas are the same. Different types of karmas affect your life in different ways. Recognizing these types can give you more control over your destiny.

Here’s a quick overview of the 5 types of karmas we will discuss:

• Sanchita Karma: The accumulated store of all past actions.
• Prarabdha Karma: The portion of Sanchita Karma that is ripe and ready to be experienced now.
• Kriyamana Karma: The karma you create in the present.
• Aagami Karma: The future karma that arises from current actions.
• Vartamana Karma: The ongoing effects of karma in your current life.

Sanchita Karma: The Stored Karma Bank

Imagine you have a huge bank account filled over many lifetimes. This is Sanchita Karma – the total collection of all the karmas you have ever created. This includes everything: good deeds, bad deeds, and everything in between. It’s like a library of your entire karmic history.

Nothing gets lost. Every thought, word, and action adds to this karmic store. For example, imagine you always helped others out of kindness throughout your life. Those acts build up positive balance in this karmic bank.

This stored karma doesn’t affect you all at once. Instead, parts of it get activated and played out in your life. That’s where the next type, Prarabdha Karma, comes in.

Prarabdha Karma: The Karma You Are Living Now

Out of the massive Sanchita Karma, some parts become active and shape your current life situation. This is called Prarabdha Karma. You can think of it as the karmas you are “living out” or experiencing right now.

For example, if you have a challenging relationship or a health issue you can’t seem to shake off, this can be due to your Prarabdha Karma. It is like a fruit that has ripened from the seed you planted earlier and must be tasted before moving on.

Consider a seed you planted years ago in a garden. It now grows into a tree that you cannot remove instantly. Likewise, Prarabdha Karma often feels unavoidable or fixed.

Why is understanding Prarabdha Karma important?

• It teaches acceptance of life’s difficulties.
• It shows that some challenges are opportunities for growth.
• It encourages patience while you work through your karma.

Kriyamana Karma: Karma You Make Right Now

Every moment, you create new karma through your actions, thoughts, and speech. This is Kriyamana Karma. It’s the karma you’re currently generating in your life. Imagine your actions as seeds being planted freshly today.

The best part about Kriyamana Karma is you can control it. You can change how you act, think, and speak right now, which will positively or negatively affect your karmic balance.

For example, choosing to forgive someone instead of holding a grudge creates good Kriyamana Karma. On the other hand, acting with anger or dishonesty creates negative karmas that may affect you later.

Real-life example:

• Think of a time you helped a stranger or volunteered. That good action is creating positive Kriyamana Karma.
• Or times you reacted harshly in anger. That is negative Kriyamana Karma.

Aagami Karma: Karma Waiting to Come

Aagami Karma is the result that will come from your current actions. The effects of what you do today will appear in the future. Think of it as the fruit your Kriyamana Karma seeds will bear later.

For instance, if you work hard and study diligently now, your effort (Kriyamana Karma) will bring success or knowledge in the future (Aagami Karma).

This shows us why living mindfully today matters. The choices you make now write your future.

Vartamana Karma: Karma in Motion

Vartamana Karma refers to karma that is active and impacting you in your present life. It’s like the results you’re experiencing from past and present karmas combined.

This is the karma you see in your daily life – your current circumstances, habits, feelings, and reactions. Sometimes, you might feel stuck, confused, or happy. These are signs of your Vartamana Karma unfolding.

For example:

• Your natural talents or challenges you face.
• The way people treat you based on your past actions.
• Your emotional patterns, such as impulsiveness or patience.

Putting It All Together: How Do These Karmas Work in Life?

Here’s a simple analogy to help tie these ideas together.

Imagine your life as a movie. The full script is your Sanchita Karma. However, only some parts are being acted out on screen right now — that’s your Prarabdha Karma. As the story unfolds, you keep improvising dialogue and actions — that’s your Kriyamana Karma. These new actions will change the future scenes, creating fresh plot twists — your Aagami Karma. What you’re currently watching, feeling, and living — all the drama and joy unfolding — is your Vartamana Karma.

How Understanding Karmas Can Change Your Life

Before I learned about karmas, I used to feel frustrated. Bad things felt unfair. Good actions often seemed ignored. But understanding karmas helped me see that life is more like planting and harvesting. Sometimes, the fruit takes time to grow.

When I realized I am creating Kriyamana Karma every day, I started to take responsibility for my actions. I found more peace accepting Prarabdha Karma. I stopped blaming myself or others for everything. I focused on living mindfully now to shape my future (Aagami Karma).

Here are some simple ways you can work with your karmas today:

1. Reflect: Notice your actions without judging yourself.
2. Choose: Make positive, kind actions whenever possible.
3. Accept: Understand that some challenges are karmic lessons.
4. Forgive: Let go of old grudges and negative feelings.
5. Stay present: Focus on the now to create better karmas.

The Takeaway: Karmas Are Not Just a Concept

Karmas are real forces shaping your life every day. They are not punishment or reward but natural consequences of our actions. By understanding the 5 types of karmas — Sanchita, Prarabdha, Kriyamana, Aagami, and Vartamana — you gain clarity about why life happens as it does.

This understanding invites you to live with more awareness, love, and personal power. Remember, karmas are always working, but so is your capacity to change them with your choices today.

Ready to Take Charge of Your Karmas?

Start by reflecting on one small action you can take today that creates positive karma. Maybe it’s a kind word, a helping hand, or a moment of patience. Every step counts in the grand karmic journey.

If you want to dive deeper into understanding your karmas and how to live in harmony with them, I encourage you to explore more spiritual teachings and practices that resonate with you.

Share your thoughts or questions about karmas below. Let’s continue this journey together!