Karma is Memory – Human Beings Can Take Charge

Most people think karma means whatever action we do, we will receive the same in return—like an equal and opposite reaction. Many also believe karma is something we cannot control. But the deeper yogic truth is different. Karma is memory—the stored past impressions that remain within us and influence the way we live, feel, and perceive existence. What we call destiny is often nothing but the repeated replay of this accumulated memory.

Karma is not only in human beings. Every atom carries its own memory, and this memory is what holds creation together. Without memory, nothing can exist, because existence itself functions through accumulated impressions. Everything in creation moves according to its karma—nature functions through memory, animals through memory and instinct, and even the five elements function according to their nature and karmic information.

Two Dimensions of Karma in Human Beings: Sthula and Sukshma

In human beings, karma functions in two layers—gross and subtle. These two layers together decide our physical nature, psychological tendencies, and the way we perceive existence.

Sthula Karma (Gross Karma)

Sthula karma is the karmic memory stored in the physical body. The human body carries not only our personal memory, but also ancestral genetic and familial impressions. This is why certain physical tendencies, strengths, weaknesses, instincts, and health patterns are inherited and already present within us even before conscious thinking begins.

Sukshma Karma (Subtle Karma)

Sukshma karma is the karmic memory stored in the inner system—mind, emotion, and energy. It carries the accumulated impressions of this life and many past lives, and it shapes our samskaras. Because of this subtle karmic memory, we often do not experience life directly; we experience it through the filter of past conditioning.

How Karma Becomes Compulsiveness

Karma works as impressions within us. Every experience we go through with expectations leaves an imprint in the inner system, creating likes and dislikes (Raga and Dvesha). These impressions become samskaras and tendencies, and over time they shape our identity. Because we carry this karmic memory, we experience everything through the filter of the past. That is why life becomes compulsive—we repeat the same emotions, behaviour patterns, and inner struggles again and again, even when we genuinely want to change. But when consciousness rises, we begin to see these impressions clearly, and the grip of karma starts loosening.

Desire and Destiny

Desire is the alchemy of accumulated karmic memory. Stored impressions continuously arise as urges, cravings, and wanting, pushing us again and again in the same direction. This is how destiny is formed. Destiny is not mystical; it is simply unconscious life running through stored memory. It is like sitting inside a vehicle without knowing how to drive. Even though you are inside, the vehicle moves on its own and takes you wherever it wants. In the same way, when we do not take charge of karma, desire and compulsiveness drive our life into the same cycles.

Shiva Yogam – Taking Charge Over Karma

Only human beings have the power to take charge of karma, because the human body structure supports inner growth and consciousness. Through Shiva Yogam, a seeker learns to raise consciousness and bring mastery over the inner system—body, mind, emotions, and energy. When consciousness becomes intense, karmic impressions lose their power, compulsiveness reduces, and life stops running on unconscious patterns. Karma no longer controls the seeker; karma becomes a doorway for inner transformation. This is the greatness of human birth—to rise beyond memory and live consciously.