How Karma Shapes our Future Rewards

Karma is of three types: physical, emotional, and intellectual.

Consider a person giving alms to someone. When he hands over an item, it is a physical act of karma. If he does it out of compassion, it is emotional karma. When he thinks about the person’s condition and reflects on how to remove poverty, it is intellectual karma. All three are involved in the act of giving alms.

Similarly, the results of these karmas are also threefold, and the experiences of these results may not occur simultaneously. The result of physical karma may be the availability of food in the future. The result of emotional karma may be peace of mind. The result of intellectual karma may be the growth of knowledge and thinking ability.

Thus, when performing the act of giving alms, one should maintain awareness and purity on all three levels. Only then will it be a complete virtuous act, yielding positive results.

Imagine giving alms with contempt. Although food may become available for thee giver in the future, he might also experience scorn.

That is why the Upanishad says, ‘shriya deyam, hriya deyam, shraddhaya deyam — give in abundance, give with humility, and give with attention.

When giving, give in a measure that fulfills the recipient’s need. This will bring prosperity to the giver as well. Only by giving with humility will one receive peace and calm in return. When given thoughtfully, it leads to intellectual growth and wisdom.

Knowledge Bank

How does Tantric worship differ from Vedic worship?

Tantric worship involves esoteric rituals and meditative practices aimed at achieving spiritual enlightenment, while Vedic worship is based on ancient Vedic scriptures and rituals.

Vedas vs Upanishads vs Puranas

Veda Samhitas focus on the procedures of yajnas. Upanishads focus on knowledge about the universe and the self. Puranas teach the Vedc principles through narration of historical incidents and stories.