The Circle of Life: The Best Books on Karma
Karma is a concept derived from various Dharmic religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and others. According to their beliefs, it is a transcendent cosmic energy or law generated by people's actions. Karma is also known as the spirit of justice or balance and applies to the good and bad acts of those who perform them.
A more or less equivalent concept in the West would be the law of cause and effect, where every action entails a reaction equal to the action itself. According to karmic law, subsequent reincarnations will be marked by everything the subject has done in his previous life.To better understand this energy, we've ranked the best books on karma.
Best books to understand how karma works
The joyful path of good fortune (2013), by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Renowned Buddhist teacher Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche offers a comprehensive and accessible guide to achieving inner peace and enlightenmentBased on the tradition of Lamrim, a systematic teaching of Mahayana Buddhism, the book presents a clear overview of the stages of the spiritual path. To achieve this, the author unravels concepts such as the development of wisdom, compassion, and concentration.
These elements are essential for transforming an individual's mind and daily life. With an approach accessible to both beginners and advanced practitioners, This work becomes an indispensable manual for those who wish to deepen their Buddhist practice. and find a higher purpose for their existence.
Quotes from Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
- "Love is the true nuclear bomb that destroys all our enemies, because when we love all living beings, we have no enemies."
- "When the turbulence of distracting thoughts diminishes and our mind becomes quiet, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arise from within."
Karma: A Yogi's Guide to Creating Your Destiny (2022), by Sadhguru
It is a book that explores the true meaning of karma beyond the common Western idea of cause and effect. The material presents a clear and accessible approach, where Sadhguru demystifies this concept from the perspective of yoga and spirituality, explaining how our actions, thoughts and emotions influence our lives and our destiny.
Through teachings that appeal to complexity and practical examples, the author invites the reader to understand karma not as a system of reward or punishment, but as a tool to take control of one's life with greater awareness and freedom. This book offers a guide to freeing yourself from limiting patterns and living more fully, combining ancient wisdom with advice applicable to modern life.
Sadhguru Quotes
- "Yoga is a way of recreating the organism to serve a higher purpose. The human body can function as a piece of flesh and blood or as the source of creation itself."
- "Resentment, anger, jealousy, pain, offense, and depression are poisons you drink in the hope that they will affect someone else."
- "The mission of every spiritual guide throughout history and culture has been solely to point out that the cage door does not exist."
Connections with other lives: Karma and reincarnation (2013), by Elizabeth Clare Prophet and Patricia R. Spadaro
This is a title that explains the spiritual principles of karma and reincarnation from a mystical and esoteric perspective. The authors examine how our past actions influence our present lives. and how the cycle of reincarnation provides opportunities to grow, learn, and heal.
The material offers teachings on how to transform negative karma, overcome emotional and spiritual challenges, and create a more consistent and balanced future. With practical tools, meditations, and reflections, Karma and reincarnation invites the reader to understand their life purpose and take control of their spiritual evolution.
Quotes from Elizabeth Clare Prophet and Patricia R. Spadaro
- «Transfiguration Mantra “In the name of God, I decree in the name of [name the person or describe them if you don’t know].” Then, recite this mantra with the authority of God’s Word within you: I am the one who transforms all my garments, exchanging the old for the new day; with the radiant sun of understanding all the way, I am the one who shines.»
- «…from the heavenly heights come shining angels, bring light to my being and my mind!»
Understanding your karma (2017), by Sergio Ramos Moreno
It is a text that explores the concept of karma from a spiritual and psychological perspective, encouraging the reader to understand how their actions, thoughts, and emotions influence their destiny. At the same time, The author explains how karma is formed and how it can be transformed. and how to use it as a tool for personal growth and spiritual mastery.
Full of reflections, practical exercises and examples applicable to everyday life, Understanding your karma invites you to take responsibility for your own life, break harmful cycles and build a more harmonious and conscious future. It is an excellent guide for those who wish to find answers about their purpose and the meaning of their experiences.
Bear Snores On (2003), by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
This is a charming children's book written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman. The story follows a large bear who sleeps soundly in his cave during the winter.As the snow falls outside, several woodland animals—including a mouse, a hare, and a badger—seek refuge from the cold inside the bear's cave.
Little by little, the cave fills with little guests who celebrate with food and laughter, all while the bear continues to snore. However, when he finally wakes up, his reaction surprises everyone. Told through rhyme and warm illustrations, Bear Snores On It is a story about friendship, generosity, karma and the importance of sharing, perfect for reading aloud to little ones.
The universal law of Karma (2015), by Tan Kheng Khoo
This text presents the concept of karma through a philosophical and spiritual lens, seeking to unravel how this universal law can determine aspects of every human being's life. The author shows karma as a system of punishment and reward, but also as a principle of cause and effect that governs our actions, thoughts and decisions.
At the same time, the author clarifies and reflects on the subject, helping the reader understand how to generate positive change in their lives by becoming aware of their actions and taking responsibility for their destiny. With inspiring teachings and practical advice, The universal law of karma offers a guide to living with greater harmony, purpose, and wisdom.