Hindu Philosophy and Its Perspective on Karma and Free Will

[Nomad]

One of the main teachings of Hindu philosophy is karma shapes people's future based on past actions. The meaning of past action is not limited to what you did 5-10 or even 20 years ago, it goes beyond your current life cycle. If your life is determined by your karma, does this mean there is no free will? Can karma and free will coexist? Does karma suggest a predetermined life where there is nothing you can do on your own? How does the concept of karma compare to Western ideas of justice and moral responsibility?

 

[Urvashi]

Hindu philosophy sees karma as the law of cause and effect, where every action, thought, or word creates consequences that shape future experiences. It emphasizes that individuals have free will to make choices, but those choices are influenced by past actions (karma). The concept suggests that while free will exists, it operates within the context of one’s karmic journey, meaning one’s actions today impact their future, and spiritual growth is achieved by making conscious, virtuous choices to break the cycle of karma.