Karma
karma/kammaActions, and the consequences of actions. An important concept in Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism. refers to the consequences of a person鈥檚 actions and words. In Sikhism, a person gains good and bad karma throughout their life. Karma determines what happens to that individual鈥檚 atmaSanskrit word that means soul. in the next life.
Sikhs believe that:
- Positive and moral actions lead to good karma, and negative and immoral actions lead to bad karma.
- What happens in a previous life directly impacts the atma in the next life, either positively or negatively.
- Atmas within animals can be reborn into the body of a human if they have gained good karma in their life.
- Atmas of humans can be reborn into the body of an animal if they have gained bad karma in their life. This means they have moved further away from liberation.
- Humans have the opportunity to develop and move closer towards liberation. This can be done by building up good karma in two ways. The first is to accept WaheguruSikhs believe in one God called Waheguru which means 鈥榃onderful Lord鈥 or 鈥榃onderful Teacher鈥. grace and love, and the second is to perform good deeds, such as Kirat KarnaTo work in an honest way., Vand Chhako (Vand Chakna)The sharing of what somebody earns or the fruits of their labour, generosity; the giving of charity. It is one of the three main pillars of the teachings of Guru Nanak. and Naam JapnaRepeating and remembering God's name..
Mukti
muktiThe freeing of the soul from rebirth/salvation/liberation. means 鈥榣颈产别谤补迟颈辞苍鈥. It is the ultimate goal for many Sikhs, as they wish to be reunited with Waheguru. In order to reach mukti, a Sikh must rid themselves of all bad karma and focus on gaining good karma.
Mukti is ineffableSomething that cannot be put into words., which means it cannot be explained. This is because no one can describe what it would be like to be united with and within Waheguru. It can only be experienced.
Mukti can be achieved while someone is alive. This is known as jivan mukti The act of reaching mukti while alive on Earth..