State and explain the doctrines of Karma, Rebirth and Reincarnation in Hinduism.

The Doctrine of Karma

Karma, literally meaning “action,” is the principle of cause and effect. It posits that every action, thought, and intention creates a corresponding energy that influences one’s future experiences. This isn’t a system of divine reward or punishment, but rather a natural law governing the universe, similar to Newton’s third law of motion. There are three main types of Karma:

• Sanchita Karma: Accumulated Karma from past lives, representing the total storehouse of actions.
• Prarabdha Karma: The portion of Sanchita Karma that is ripe for fruition in the present life, determining the circumstances of one’s birth and experiences.
• Kriyamana Karma: Karma created through present actions, which will contribute to the Sanchita Karma for future lives.

The Bhagavad Gita (2.40) emphasizes that effort (Karma) is never lost, and even a small amount of Dharma protects one from great fear. Karma isn’t fatalistic; it emphasizes individual agency and responsibility.

The Doctrine of Rebirth (Samsara)

Samsara refers to the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It’s driven by Karma and fueled by desires (Kama), attachments (Moh), and ignorance (Avidya). The Upanishads describe Atman (the individual soul) as eternal and unchanging, transmigrating from one life form to another based on the accumulated Karma. This cycle isn’t seen as inherently negative; it provides opportunities for learning, growth, and ultimately, liberation (Moksha). The quality of rebirth – whether as a human, animal, or other being – is determined by the balance of good and bad Karma.

The concept of Samsara is often visualized as a wheel, constantly turning, representing the endless cycle of existence. The goal of spiritual practice is to break free from this wheel.

The Doctrine of Reincarnation

Reincarnation is closely related to Rebirth, but it specifically refers to the embodiment of the Atman in a new physical form. While Rebirth encompasses all forms of existence, Reincarnation typically implies a return to a human form. It’s the process by which the Atman takes on a new body, carrying with it the impressions (Samskaras) and accumulated Karma from previous lives.

Reincarnation explains phenomena like innate talents, phobias, and déjà vu, suggesting that these may be remnants of past life experiences. It also provides a framework for understanding the diversity of human personalities and capabilities. The process of reincarnation is not a simple transfer of identity, but rather a continuation of the soul’s journey towards self-realization.

Interrelationship of the Doctrines

These three doctrines are inextricably linked. Karma is the engine driving the cycle of Rebirth and Reincarnation. Actions create Karma, which determines the nature of future births. Rebirth provides the arena for experiencing the consequences of past Karma and creating new Karma. Reincarnation, as a specific form of Rebirth, focuses on the soul’s journey through human lives, striving for liberation from the cycle.

Doctrine	Description	Function
Karma	The principle of cause and effect; action and consequence.	Drives the cycle of Rebirth and Reincarnation; determines the quality of future lives.
Rebirth (Samsara)	The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in various life forms.	Provides the arena for experiencing Karma and creating new Karma.
Reincarnation	The embodiment of the Atman in a new human form.	Focuses the soul’s journey towards self-realization and liberation.