K

The new illustrated alphabet Part 11: K is for KARMA.

Karma is a term used loosely to describe cosmic payback and consequences. It's a nice fantasy that prevails in the thinking of boomers and beyond in the west and of course has been respected and understood as part of eastern life and religion for a lot longer. They invented it, we misappropriated it (as usual).

Karma means action, work or deed; it also refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual influence the future of that individual. Good intent and good deeds contribute to good karma and happier rebirths, while bad intent and bad deeds contribute to bad karma and bad rebirths. It may or may not be a real thing but it can at least be used to moderate or explain behaviour and just might make you feel smug or righteous even when you don't deserve to.