“Karma moves in two directions. If we act virtuously, the seed we plant will result in happiness. If we act non-virtuously, suffering results.” ~Sakyong Mipham

You hear people saying that you will get good or bad karma if you do one thing or another. What does that exactly mean? Does that mean reward or punishment? The answer to that is yes and no.

What is Karma?

The official definition of karma is “(in Hinduism and Buddhism) the sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.” More informally, the definition might be “destiny or fate, following as effect from cause.”

Really, what karma is all about is creating balance. Karma is balance and making sure there is balance in the Universe. It is not meant to be positive or negative. It just is. It really is true what goes around comes around, and it may not happen in a single lifetime, but it does happen eventually.

How to Manifest Good Karma in Your Life

In order to be the best you can be, you will want to keep things balanced which means having good karma. Let’s go over some simple ways to achieve that.

1. Own Up To Your Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes, and that is part of being human. Mistakes can cause imbalances in the energy in your life. The best way to rectify those mistakes and balance things out again is by owning up to it. If you hurt someone whether it was intentional or unintentional, realize that you are hurting yourself too. Own up to it. Apologize and mean it, and look for other ways to show that you are trying to make amends. If the other person who you hurt does not accept your apology or efforts to make things right, then you have done your part. They are the ones who have imbalanced karma now.

2. Be Honest

Always tell the truth. No matter how uncomfortable or ugly it may be, be honest. Dishonesty is the sure way to keep karma imbalanced and you can say that would earn ‘bad karma’. If you are lying then you will be exposed one way or another somehow which would be karma.

3. Help Others

One of the best ways to create balance is by helping others. The good news is that as you do that, you are helping yourself as well. Paying it forward is a great example of creating karmic balance as you do something nice for someone else, and they are urged to do something nice for someone they encounter. Besides you feel good when you help others in need. That is good karma for you alone.

4. Set Good Intentions And Live With A Purpose

You have goals and you want to go after them. When you do, set an intention to do so and help others along the way, as that energy will help you reach your goals faster as well. If you are wanting to start a business providing a service or selling products that people need, then set that intention. And find out how you can make that a reality as you build it along the way. You will want to join groups for business owners where you can offer advice to others in the same boat and they will do the same for you as well.

5. Always Look At The Big Picture

It is easy to get caught in the drama of the chaos that is happening in your life. But you have to remember why you are here in the first place. Perhaps you have to go through your personal chaos to heal and balance past life karma, as well as to learn life’s lessons. You can get frustrated but accept what is and do the best you can with what you are facing.

The bottom line is to do your best, and be true to yourself and to others, and set good intentions, and be helpful. That will keep things in balance for you and that is how you end up with ‘good karma’.