50 Karma Quotes You Must Know
Karma is a powerful concept that transcends cultures and religions. Rooted in the belief that our actions have consequences, it teaches us that what we put into the world will eventually return to us.
Whether you believe in the cosmic balance or see it as a metaphor for ethical living, karma offers profound insights into how we interact with others and shape our destinies.
Here are 50 karma quotes that encapsulate this timeless wisdom and inspire us to live more consciously.
1. “How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.” – Wayne Dyer
This quote emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility. We cannot control others’ actions, but we can choose our responses.
2. “The universe does not carry debts. It always returns back to you what you gave it.” – Drishti Bablani
Karma works like a mirror, reflecting our actions back to us. Positive actions bring positive outcomes, and negative actions bring negative ones.
3. “Karma has no menu. You get served what you deserve.” – Unknown
This succinct quote captures the essence of karma: you reap what you sow.
4. “As she has planted, so does she harvest; such is the field of karma.” – Sri Guru Granth Sahib
This quote from Sikh scripture highlights the cyclical nature of karma and the inevitability of its effects.
5. “Karma, when properly understood, is just the mechanics through which consciousness manifests.” – Deepak Chopra
Chopra’s quote suggests that karma is the process by which our intentions and actions shape our reality.
6. “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
Buddhist teacher Sakyong Mipham explains the dual pathways of karma and their corresponding outcomes.
7. “Men are not punished for their sins, but by them.” – Elbert Hubbard
Hubbard’s quote reminds us that our actions themselves are the cause of our suffering, not some external force.
8. “Before you begin on the journey of revenge, dig two graves.” – Confucius
Confucius warns that vengeful actions harm both the target and the initiator, a fundamental tenet of karma.
9. “Karma is the universal law of cause and effect. You reap what you sow.” – Mary T. Brown
This quote simplifies karma into a basic principle of action and consequence.
10. “The love you send into the world, you will find, is the love that returns to you.” – Avina Celeste
Celeste’s quote speaks to the positive side of karma, encouraging us to spread love and kindness.
11. “Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.” – Edwin Hubbel Chapin
Chapin’s poetic quote highlights the long-lasting impact of our actions, echoing through time.
12. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7 (Bible)
A Biblical perspective on karma, reinforcing the idea that our actions have consequences.
13. “Like gravity, karma is so basic we often don’t even notice it.” – Sakyong Mipham
This quote suggests that karma is a fundamental principle of existence, operating continuously and quietly.
14. “I’m a true believer in karma. You get what you give, whether it’s bad or good.” – Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock’s personal endorsement of karma reminds us that it’s a universally acknowledged truth.
15. “When you truly understand karma, then you realize you are responsible for everything in your life.” – Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves speaks to the empowerment that comes with understanding karma and taking responsibility for our actions.
16. “Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.” – Buddha
Buddha’s teachings often revolve around karma and wise living, implying that a life lived with good karma negates the fear of death.
17. “If you give a good thing to the world, then over time your karma will be good, and you’ll receive well.” – Russell Simmons
Simmons emphasizes the delayed but inevitable return of good deeds.
18. “Your karma should be good, and everything else will follow. Your good karma will always win over your bad luck.” – Rohit Shetty
Shetty’s quote suggests that good karma can overcome adverse circumstances.
19. “Nobody deserves misery but sometimes it’s just your turn.” – Unknown
This quote acknowledges the harsh reality of karma and life’s challenges.
20. “Karma is not just about the troubles, but also about surmounting them.” – Rick Springfield
Springfield highlights karma’s role in personal growth and overcoming adversity.
21. “We don’t find love, love finds us. What you put out into the universe will find its way back to you.” – Raneem Kayyali
Kayyali’s quote encourages us to be the source of the love we seek.
22. “People pay for what they do, and still more for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it simply; by the lives they lead.” – Edith Wharton
Wharton emphasizes the long-term consequences of our actions and character development.
23. “The meaning of karma is in the intention. The intention behind action is what matters.” – Bhagavad Gita
This quote from the Bhagavad Gita reminds us that karma is not just about actions but also about our intentions.
24. “Don’t waste time on revenge. The people who hurt you will eventually face their own karma.” – Unknown
A reminder to focus on our own journey rather than seeking retribution.
25. “Karma bides its time. You will always have to watch out. Karma is unforgiving and always gets payback.” – Benjamin Bayani
Bayani’s quote warns of the inevitability and persistence of karma.
26. “Karma is a cruel mistress.” – Kelley York
York’s quote personifies karma as an unyielding force that holds us accountable.
27. “When karma comes back to punch you in the face, I want to be there. Just in case it needs help.” – Unknown
A humorous take on the satisfaction of seeing karma in action.
28. “If your actions were to boomerang back on you instantly, would you still act the same?” – Alexandra Katehakis
Katehakis challenges us to consider the immediate consequences of our actions.
29. “Whatever we do lays a seed in our deepest consciousness, and one day that seed will grow.” – Sakyong Mipham
Mipham’s quote underscores the lasting impact of our actions on our inner selves.
30. “Karma is a tricky thing. To serve karma, one must repay good karma to others.” – A. Mahadavan
This quote suggests that the best way to balance karma is through acts of kindness.
31. “What goes around comes back around.” – Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys captures the cyclical nature of karma in a simple, memorable phrase.
32. “The best revenge is always to just happily move on and let karma do the rest.” – Unknown
This quote advises us to focus on our own happiness and let karma handle justice.
33. “Live a good and honorable life. Then, when you are older, you can look back and enjoy it a second time.” – Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama’s quote ties good karma to long-term satisfaction and peace.
34. “How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.” – Wayne Dyer
Dyer’s quote, repeated for its profound truth, emphasizes personal responsibility.
35. “When you do something bad: it comes back to you later.” – Unknown
A straightforward reminder of the negative consequences of bad actions.
36. “The way people treat you is a statement about who they are as a human being. It is not a statement about you.” – Unknown
This quote helps us detach from others’ negative actions and focus on our own karma.
37. “Contrary to popular misconception, karma has nothing to do with punishment and reward. It exists as part of our universe’s fundamental governing laws.” – Paul Kain
Kain’s quote clarifies that karma is about balance and consequence, not moral judgment.
38. “Karma is a word meaning the results of a person’s actions as well as the actions themselves. It is a term about the cycle of cause and effect.” – Paul Theroux
Theroux’s definition helps demystify karma by explaining its dual aspects.
39. “Your believing or not believing in karma has no effect on its existence, nor on its consequences to you. Just as a refusal to believe in the ocean would not prevent you from drowning.” – F. Paul Wilson
Wilson’s quote asserts the reality of karma, independent of personal belief.
40. “The only way to escape the cycle of karma is to transcend the self.” – Frederick Lenz
Lenz suggests that overcoming ego and self-centeredness is key to breaking free from karma’s cycle.
41. “On the subject of karma: It’s not what happens to you, it’s how you react to what happens to you.” – Avina Celeste
Celeste again highlights the role of our reactions in shaping our karma.
42. “If you’re really a mean
person you’re going to come back as a fly and eat poop.” – Kurt Cobain
Cobain’s humorous take on karma suggests a poetic justice in reincarnation.
43. “We create karma by all kinds of selfish actions. The first thing we have to do is learn to control ourselves.” – Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Gyatso emphasizes self-control as the first step in managing our karma.
44. “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson’s quote urges us to act kindly without delay, as opportunities can be fleeting.
45. “Do good, and good will come to you.” – Adam Clarke
Clarke’s simple statement reinforces the reciprocal nature of karma.
46. “When you plant a seed of love, it is you that blossoms.” – Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati
Bhagavati’s quote suggests that acts of love and kindness benefit the giver as much as the receiver.
47. “If you give a good thing to the world, then over time your karma will be good, and you’ll receive well.” – Russell Simmons
Simmons reiterates the delayed but inevitable rewards of good deeds.
48. “If you truly loved yourself, you could never hurt another.” – Buddha
Buddha’s wisdom teaches that self-love and compassion naturally lead to good karma.
49. “Karma is not an inviolable engine of cosmic punishment.” – Joshua Malina
Malina’s quote demystifies karma, portraying it as a natural consequence rather than divine retribution.
50. “Every action has consequences; that is karma.” – Shauna Clark
Clark’s succinct quote reminds us of the basic principle that our actions inevitably lead to results.
These 50 quotes provide a broad spectrum of insights into karma, from spiritual teachings and philosophical reflections to humorous takes and practical advice. Each quote encourages us to live mindfully, take responsibility for our actions, and strive to cultivate positive energy in our lives. Embrace these words of wisdom and let them guide you towards a more conscious and compassionate way of living.
