Karma
[KAHR-mah]Karma
What is karma?
Karma (Sanskrit: karma, कर्म) literally means "action" or "deed" and is one of the most fundamental principles in Indian philosophy. The law of karma states that every action — physical, verbal, or mental — generates a corresponding result that returns to the doer. This is not punishment or reward from an external force but a natural law, similar to Newton's law of action and reaction. Three types of karma are distinguished: sanchita karma (accumulated — all actions from past lives), prarabdha karma (ripe — that which manifests in the current life), and kriyamana karma (present — the actions we create now). The Bhagavad Gita introduces the concept of karma yoga — the path of selfless action, in which we act without attachment to the result. B.K.S. Iyengar practiced karma yoga through the selfless spreading of yoga, teaching poor students in Pune for free and never refusing help to those in need.
Karma and Yoga Practice
On the yoga mat, karma manifests in how we approach practice. When we practice with attention, patience, and dedication, we create positive karma. When we force the body from ego or impatience, we create negative karma — in the form of injuries or disappointment. Iyengar taught that yoga practice itself is a form of karma yoga when performed without expectation of a specific result. We practice not to achieve a perfect pose but to develop awareness and inner peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does karma mean fate?
No. Karma is not predetermined fate. While our past actions influence the present, we have free will to create new karma through our present choices. Yoga practice develops the awareness that helps us make wiser choices.
What is karma yoga?
Karma yoga is the path of selfless action — to act with full dedication but without attachment to the result. B.K.S. Iyengar taught that any asana practice can be karma yoga if performed as an act of devotion rather than from ego.
Related Terms
Dharma
Dharma means "duty," "law," or "right path" and is a central concept in yoga philosophy for living in harmony with universal order.
Ahimsa
Ahimsa means "non-violence" and is the first and most important ethical principle (yama) in yoga philosophy — the foundation of all practice.
Yoga
Yoga means "union" in Sanskrit and is an ancient system for physical, mental, and spiritual development with over 5,000 years of history.
Related Poses
Mountain Pose
Tadasana is the foundation of all standing poses in Iyengar yoga. Learn proper alignment, how to activate the legs and lengthen the spine.
Warrior I
Virabhadrasana I builds leg strength and opens the chest. Learn how to align the pelvis and direct energy upward using the Iyengar method.
Corpse Pose
Savasana is the most important and most difficult pose in yoga — complete relaxation of body and mind. Learn the proper Iyengar technique for deep relaxation.