In Hinduism, the concept of ‘karma’ refers to the unseen effects of one’s actions that become manifest over time when conditions are favorable. Karma is categorized into three types:
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Sanchita Karma: Also known as ‘anarabdha karma’ or ‘the accumulated karma,’ this represents the entire collection of an individual’s past karmic debts that have accumulated over various lifetimes but have not yet begun to manifest.
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Arabdha or Prarabdha Karma: This is the portion of sanchita karma that has ripened and started to take effect in the present lifetime. It influences the current circumstances and life experiences of an individual.
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Kriyamana Karma: Also known as ‘agami karma,’ this refers to the karma that is being generated by one’s current actions. It is the fresh karma created by thoughts, words, and deeds, which will yield results in the future.
Anarabdha Karma
Anarabdha karma, specifically, pertains to the vast reservoir of karma that has been accumulated but has not yet started to bear fruit. This type of karma remains dormant until it is activated and integrated into one’s life as prarabdha karma. It is this dormant karma that determines the nature of future births and life circumstances.
Liberation from Anarabdha Karma
Hindu philosophical and religious texts assert that through the attainment of atmajnana (self-realization or knowledge of the self), an individual can destroy the accumulated mass of anarabdha karma. Atmajnana leads to the realization of one’s true nature as the atman (soul), which is beyond the physical and mental planes of existence and is unaffected by the cycle of karma and rebirth. By achieving this profound spiritual insight, one can effectively neutralize the accumulated karmic debts, thus preventing future transmigrations and liberating the soul from the cycle of samsara (the cycle of death and rebirth).
Literal Sense
In a literal sense, the term ‘anarabdha’ is used to describe anything that has not yet begun or been undertaken. This can apply to various contexts outside of the spiritual or karmic framework, simply indicating the state of being uninitiated or not commenced.
References in Hindu Texts
Anarabdha karma is discussed in various Hindu scriptures, including the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and other philosophical texts. These texts explore the nature of karma, the process of its accumulation, and the means of liberation from its binding effects. The Bhagavad Gita, for instance, emphasizes the importance of performing actions with detachment and devotion, thereby not accruing further karma.
Practical Implications
For practitioners of Hinduism, understanding the concept of anarabdha karma is crucial for spiritual progress. It encourages the pursuit of spiritual practices such as yoga, meditation, and bhakti (devotion) to attain self-realization. It also underscores the significance of ethical living and righteous actions to minimize the creation of negative karma.
Anarabdha karma represents the untapped potential of past actions that influence future existences. The journey towards liberation involves not only managing the effects of prarabdha karma but also dissolving the accumulated anarabdha karma through spiritual practices and the attainment of self-knowledge. This holistic approach to life and spirituality is central to the Hindu understanding of karma and rebirth.