Karma in Sikhism

This section explains Karma in Sikhism. In Sikhism, karma refers to the law of cause and effect — the idea that a person's actions and words have consequences, both in this life and in future ones. Sikhs believe that karma influences the journey of the atma (soul), determining its experiences in the cycle of samsara (birth, death, and rebirth).

Key Beliefs about Karma

Sikhs hold that karma operates on the principle that both positive and negative actions will have corresponding results.

• Good karma results from moral, kind, and positive actions, while bad karma arises from immoral, negative, or harmful actions.
• The atma's journey through samsara is shaped by the accumulated karma of past lives. A soul’s future experiences are either improved or worsened based on the actions taken in previous lifetimes.
• Positive karma can help an atma to be reborn in a higher form, such as a human, while negative karma can cause an atma to be reborn in a lower form, such as an animal. This process reflects the soul's progress (or lack thereof) on the path to mukti (liberation).

For example:

• The atma of an animal may be reborn as a human if it has accumulated enough good karma, representing spiritual progress.
• Conversely, a human soul that accumulates bad karma may be reborn as an animal, signifying a setback in the journey towards spiritual liberation.

Sikh teachings stress that humans have the potential to move closer towards liberation by accumulating good karma. This is achieved through living a virtuous life, and there are specific actions that Sikhs undertake to build good karma, such as:

1. Kirat Karna — Earning an honest living through hard work and righteousness.
2. Wand Chakna — Sharing with others, particularly by helping those in need or giving to charity.
3. Nam Japna — Repeating the name of Waheguru (God) through meditation, to remain focused on the Divine and cultivate spiritual awareness.

As stated in the Guru Granth Sahib:

"The body is the field of karma and in this age; whatever shall plant, you shall harvest." (Guru Granth Sahib 78)

This verse emphasises that the actions performed in this life will determine the soul's future and experiences, reinforcing the idea that karma is a process of sowing and reaping.

Mukti (Liberation)

Mukti means liberation or freedom from the cycle of samsara (birth, death, and rebirth). It is the ultimate goal for Sikhs, representing union with Waheguru (God) and the end of the soul's journey through endless reincarnation. Mukti is considered the highest state of spiritual achievement in Sikhism.

The Concept of Mukti

• Mukti is often described as being ineffable, meaning it cannot be fully explained or understood through words. It is beyond human comprehension and can only be experienced. The soul's reunion with Waheguru is a deeply personal and spiritual experience, one that transcends any earthly description.

The Sikh scriptures suggest that mukti is not merely a posthumous achievement but something that can be attained while still alive, referred to as jivan mukti. This state of liberation can be achieved by ridding oneself of bad karma and focusing on accumulating good karma throughout one's life. Those who live a life devoted to Waheguru and practise virtues such as humility, compassion, and selflessness are believed to be on the path to mukti.

The ultimate goal of mukti is to be released from the cycle of reincarnation, allowing the atma to merge with Waheguru in a state of eternal bliss and unity.

As expressed in the Guru Granth Sahib:

"I crave not for a Kingdom, nor even for mukti, what I long for is the lotus feet of the Lord." (Guru Granth Sahib 534)

This quote underscores the Sikh ideal of surrendering to Waheguru and prioritising spiritual union with the Divine above all worldly desires, including the pursuit of liberation itself.

Achieving Mukti

To achieve mukti, Sikhs are encouraged to focus on:

• Living in accordance with God's will, which is referred to as Hukam. This involves accepting that everything in life is part of God's divine plan and that one's actions must be aligned with spiritual wisdom.
• Constant remembrance of Waheguru through meditation and prayer. The practice of Nam Japna allows the Sikh to focus on the Divine and align their actions with God's will.
• Leading a life of service to others (sewa) and selflessness, as this helps purify the soul and develop good karma.

In Sikhism, karma and mukti are closely linked. A Sikh's actions and choices in this life, grounded in righteousness, truth, and devotion to Waheguru, determine whether they will ultimately attain mukti and escape the cycle of samsara. By living a life of moral integrity, practising humility, and focusing on spiritual growth, Sikhs believe they can achieve liberation from the material world and be united with the Divine.