Where Does Karma Come from?

David Miller
David Miller
• • 6 min read

Derived from the Sanskrit Word Karman, Meaning “Act, ” the Term Karma Carried No Ethical Significance in Its Earliest Specialized Usage. in Ancient Texts...

Where Does Karma Come from?

Derived from the Sanskrit word karman, meaning “act,” the term karma carried no ethical significance in its earliest specialized usage. In ancient texts (1000–700 bce) of the Vedic religion

Vedic religion
Vedism was a polytheistic sacrificial religion involving the worship of numerous male divinities (and a few goddesses), most of whom were connected with the sky and natural phenomena. The priests who officiated at that worship were drawn from the Brahman social class.
› topic › Vedic-religion
, karma referred simply to ritual and sacrificial action.

How was karma created?

The idea of Karma first appears in the oldest Hindu text the Rigveda (before c. 1500 BCE) with a limited meaning of ritual action which it continues to hold in the early ritual dominant scriptures until its philosophical scope is extended in the later Upanishads (c. ... Thus karma gains a moral or ethical dimension.

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Which religion came up with karma?

Karma, a Sanskrit word that roughly translates to "action," is a core concept in some Eastern religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism.

David Miller

David Miller

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David Miller brings 15 years of experience in global economics, personal finance strategy, and market dynamics. He specializes in turning complex economic trends into actionable insights for everyday readers.