Hinduism, which is very rich in the cultural heritage and philosophy of ancient India, reflects some essential karmas or action/works which were highlighted in the ancient texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and other Dharmic scriptures. These are the core of Dharma (right conduct), which is the fundamental basis of a balanced, ethical, and happy way of life. It enumerates the moral duties that are the most important ones towards following these principles while at the same time displaying the multifaceted yet singular approach to spiritual and moral integrity.
Nitya Karma: In the context of Hinduism, Nitya Karma is the daily fundamental obligations and practices, which are undertaken as a lifetime responsibility. Nitya, the word indicates that these actions are not just daily but also perpetual (everyday). They are a very integral part of practicing Dharma (righteous living) and indispensable for one’s spiritual purification and growth. In comparison to Kamya Karmas, which are intended for a specific outcome, Nitya Karmas are not. Instead, Nitya Karmas constitute acts of duty, discipline, and devotion that aim at maintaining both personal and societal agreement. The activities which fall under this category include personal hygiene, prayer, meditation, deity offerings and mantra recitation which is tailored as per one’s life stage and social roles. Nitya Karma is the backbone of the philosophy. It is about the regular practice that helps to develop the spiritual discipline, purify the mind and body, follow the universal principles, and cultivate gratitude and the connection with deities.
Naimittika Karma: In Hindu philosophy Naimittika karma means duties or rituals having to be done on occasions, depending on particular affairs or ceremonies in contrast to daily (Nitya) and desire-driven actions (Kamya). According to “Naimittika” which is a Sanskrit name for occasional, these karmas are important for the societal moral and order, and they are enacted at certain life milestones like marriage and funeral, and during the festivals and religious ceremonies. They have this goal of glorifying the divinity, venerating ancestors, fulfilling social obligations, and cleaning one’s spirit. Illustrations include Shraddha for the departed souls, Diwali festivities, and Griha Pravesh for the new house, all of them aiming at preserving dharma and achieving peace between the material and spiritual realms to strengthen the well-being of the society and personal spiritual education.
Kamya Karma: Kamya Karma refers to the actions that are performed with intention to achieve particular goals or desires, such as wealth, success or power, which goes beyond the basic human life needs. Many of these acts are of a ritual nature and are often conducted as offerings to the gods for divine favor, such as yajnas (sacrificial fires) and pujas (worship rituals) intended for certain results. Kamya Karma, in contrast to Nishkama Karma, is a strategy that relies in aspirations of specific results. Though not fundamentally negative, Kamya Karma, one has to follow Dharma (righteousness) to avoid moral pitfalls.
Prayaschitta Karma: Prayaschitta Karma is the name of the collection of rites and actions aimed at atonement and purification, to cleanse the past actions or misdeeds. “Prayaschitta” is a Sanskrit term indicating a struggle to clean the conscience and lessen the impact of evil deeds. This notion derived from the Hindu tradition that each action has consequences and through atonement, one can neutralize the disadvantageous effects, enabling moral and spiritual reformation. Recognizing and repenting the errors can be as simple as fasting and chanting to the complex rites, depending on the size of the sin. The goal is consequential, and it does not seek for forgiveness only, but for an increase in personal growth, formation of self-discipline and the reconstruction of universal moral order.
Nishkama Karma: Nishkama Karma is reflected in the Bhagavad Gita. This means doing things without selfishly wanting the rewards or the outcomes. In Sanskrit, “Nishkampa” is the combination of “Niṣ” (without) and “kāma” (desire), which means fulfilling the duty without the attachment to the outcome. In this idea, which was preached by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, the idea is highlighted of taking selfless actions and sticking to one’s dharma (duty) while putting aside personal gains. It is considered as a spiritual exercise and practiced to purify the self and to achieve Moksha (liberation) by reducing the ego and detachment, crucial factors inhibiting spiritual progress. This non-attachment creates mental detachment and allows the Yogi to experience peace no matter what the external circumstances this is what Nishkama Karma is about.
Nishiddha Karma: Nishiddha means actions or deeds that are said to be unlawful in Hindu scriptures and ethics, and they are considered damaging to both the person who did them and the society. It results in bad karma. This concept is the key feature of the Hindu morality; it demonstrates the necessity of abstaining from some behaviors to support Dharma (righteousness) and protect the general societal good and order. These prohibitions, written in scriptures such as Vedas, Upanishads, and Dharmashastra, act as moral guidelines for the followers. Undesired acts are himsa (violence), steya (theft), asatya (falsehood), and others that are destructive to social relationship, produce suffering and diminish moral character.Evading Nishiddha Karma is believed to guide the way to a pure spiritual life, ethical values, and alignment with universal laws, so that one can enjoy positive results now and in the future.
In addition to the karma that has been detailed in our scriptures, there are others which we, individually, should observe. undefined
Varnashrama Dharma: Tasks particular to one’s stage of life (student, householder, recluse, and renouncer) and social status (varna).
Pancha Maha Yajna: The five great ceremonies such as study and teaching (Brahma Yajna), offering to gods (Deva Yajna), offering to ancestors (Pitri Yajna), offering to humans (Manushya Yajna), and offering to all living beings (Bhuta Yajna).
Dana (Charity): Offering alms to the poor and promoting communal prosperity as one of the two main aspects of karma.
Seva (Service): Selflessness service to other with no reward expected, viewed by many as the highest among karma.
These karmas are not comprehensive but they are the basis of a framework within which persons can manage their personal responsibilities and activities over time. They are the encapsulation of the meaning of living a life that follows Dharma, leading towards the well-being of oneself, the local community, and the entire universe.