Karma (Sanskrit: कर्म; IPA: [ˈkərmə] ( listen); Pali: kamma) means action, work or deed; it also refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual (cause) influence the future of that individual (effect). Good intent and good deed contribute to good karma and future happiness, while bad intent and bad deed contribute to bad karma and future suffering.

Most of us believe in some form of karma. That is to say, if we put out negativity, negativity comes back to us. Conversely, if we put out positivity, then positivity will come back to us. In more practical terms, we hope cool people prosper and assholes get what they’ve got coming. What goes around comes around, do unto others as you’d have done unto you, etc. After all, in the end everything balances out, right? 

Having faith that karma or God or the universe or whatever you believe in will do its thing by rewarding the good and punishing the bad is all well and good, but here’s the rub: how do we know when we’re to sit back and let karma balance things out on its own and when we’re supposed to be the instrument of karma and actively participate in assuring that balance?

Here’s a practical example: you have a boss who’s a tyrant. They treat staff horribly and the higher-ups seem to be indifferent to the situation. Feeling powerless you say “Oh, well. Karma will get them one day” and patiently wait for cosmic justice to burst through the door and start kicking some ass. But what if you were meant to be that cosmic justice and didn’t even know it? Could you be waiting in vain for a whistle-blower to bring justice to your jerk of a boss when all along you were meant to be that whistle-blower and bring the karmatic pain?
15 True Stories That Will Make You Believe in Karma