This text discusses the nature of karma, how it operates, and how karma can come to end.
What is Karma?
Karma is one of the most widely known laws of the Universe — a fundamental principle of spiritual existence.
The energy we emit returns to us in the same form.
This understanding carries a simple but profound truth:
we are, in essence, responsible for what happens to us.
Throughout countless lifetimes, the energies we have sown inevitably find their way back to us. Sometimes they return when we least expect them — but they always return.
How Karma Continues
As spiritual beings, we are inherently drawn toward perfection. This longing is embedded deep within us, whether we are consciously aware of it or not. With this impulse, we are born into physical existence again and again — each time to move a little closer to that state of wholeness.
Every incarnation offers another opportunity to pass the ego tests of the physical world and to reconnect with our divine essence — which, in itself, is the definition of perfection.
Within this process, the Universe seeks to show us how our actions and the energy we emit are experienced by others. If we cause pain, sooner or later we will encounter the same kind of pain ourselves.
At this point, one thing is worth remembering:
we can only harm others through the ego — by acting out of self-interest, self-protection, or fear.
When we examine the harm we cause — to individuals, to society, to nature — we find that it always originates from ego. Ego has three primary tools:
the pursuit of power, the pursuit of status, and the pursuit of possession — or the fear of losing them.
Unrestrained desire can also become a source of harm.
Negative actions generate emotions such as sadness, pain (sometimes physical), jealousy, anger, resentment, and hatred in those affected. But the Universe does not allow imbalance. Emotions cannot remain on one side only.
Therefore, the source of these emotions must eventually experience the same feelings. At some point in existence, one’s own behavior returns — mirrored — and the same emotional states are tasted firsthand.
When this cycle is not recognized consciously (which is often the case), the pattern repeats: the person, once again, creates similar emotions in others — either toward the same individual or toward someone else.
This is how karma continues — until one crucial moment.
How Karma End
Karma comes to an end when the one who is “owed” fully and sincerely forgives.
Forgiveness ends karma.
As long as forgiveness does not occur — either given or received — karma continues. And as long as karma continues, we return to physical existence again and again to relive these unresolved cycles.
Ancient cultures were deeply aware of this truth. Consider why, at funerals, people are asked: “Do you forgive?”
It is an attempt to close the account — to allow the soul to depart unburdened.
Jesus expressed this universal principle clearly:
If you wish to be forgiven by the Creator, you must first forgive those you have not forgiven.
“Do not judge, so that you will not be judged.
For with the judgment you judge, you will be judged,
and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
“Whose sins you forgive are forgiven; whose sins you do not forgive are not forgiven.”
Without naming it, this teaching describes karma in its purest form.
According to the Dalai Lama, forgiveness has two levels.
The first is releasing the desire for revenge — because revenge causes further suffering.
The second, deeper level is releasing even anger toward those we once called enemies.
Anger does not resolve problems. It only disturbs the mind — and a disturbed mind cannot sustain a healthy body.
The Qur’an echoes the same truth:
“But whoever forgives and makes reconciliation — his reward is with God. Surely He does not love the unjust.”
Therefore, freeing ourselves from ego-based emotions, choosing to forgive those we have not forgiven, even intending to forgive — and eventually forgiving — brings negative karmic cycles to an end.
Every positive thought, feeling, and action we direct toward people, other beings, and the Earth itself returns to us in time.
Acting with compassion is a challenge to the ego.
And through this challenge, karma dissolves.
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Some other stories from same Universe
Sirius – Scorching, Awakening
Nice Karma thamed mug HERE
And HERE
And HERE
And HERE
