Q&A: What is Karma? How does It affect us?

AI Image — By the Author

Before exploring Karma, we must understand how Hinduism views the mind. This is because the concept of Karma is deeply connected to it.

Read this post for free here: Friend Link

The Layers of the Mind

In Hindu philosophy, the mind has four layers, which determine who you are as a person.

1. Buddhi — This is the conscious mind. It is responsible for thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.
2. Chitta — This is the subconscious mind. It stores your memories, desires, and tendencies from your current life. These mental impressions, called Sanskaras, shape your behavior and thought patterns.
3. Vasana — This is the psychic mind. It stores your desires and tendencies from your past lifetime. These influence your behavior in ways you don’t understand or can’t explain.
4. Prakriti — This is the unconscious mind. It controls automatic functions like breathing and heartbeat. Anything that is programmed by nature in you is called Prakriti.

Finally, Atman. This is not a layer of your mind but what exists beyond your mind. This is called soul, spirit, or consciousness. In simple terms, this is the divine that resides within you.

What is Karma?