What Should I Take into Consideration to Break Bad Karma

: Breaking bad karma is a complex yet rewarding process, involving the generation of neutral karma to eliminate both positive and negative karmic forces that bind us to the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This article explores the insights provided by the enlightened master Paramahansa Yogananda, emphasizing the path to overcoming karmic debts.

Romancing Karma with Paramahansa Yogananda

Paramahansa Yogananda, a revered spiritual figure and guru, offers profound insights on karma and its resolution. According to Yogananda, understanding and accepting our karmic experiences can lead to spiritual growth and liberation. By studying Autobiography of a Yogi, one can delve deeper into the teachings of Yogananda and gain a comprehensive understanding of karma.

For those earnestly seeking to eradicate bad karma, I highly recommend joining the YSS (Yogoda Satsanga Society of India) Lessons, initiated by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1917. These lessons provide a structured approach to breaking karmic bonds and achieving spiritual enlightenment. The steps outlined in these lessons can significantly enhance your journey towards spiritual liberation.

Opposing Theories and Misconceptions

Some spiritualists suggest confronting bad karma with gratitude, viewing it as part of divine will. This involves analyzing and understanding the impact of karma on oneself and others, tracing its origins, and seeking justice where necessary. God often guides individuals to stand up for themselves and fight for justice, as highlighted in the Quran: Verily God will not change the condition of a people if they do not change their state themselves (Surah al-Rad 13:11).

However, it is important to recognize that not all claims to cleanse past impressions or break karmic bonds are valid. Decades of spiritual teachings from great yogis, saints, and avatars emphasize that while divine grace can mitigate pain, no single method guarantees full karmic relief. Each individual’s path to enlightenment is unique and multifaceted.

The Four Types of Karma

The Bhagavad Gita distinguishes between four types of karma: Prarabdha, Sanchita, Agami, and Kriyamana.

Prarabdha refers to the karma that is currently manifesting and cannot be altered. Sanchita represents the cumulative karma from past lives. Agami involves actions and choices that create future karma. Kriyamana is the present moment karma that one can control through actions and intentions.

While Sanchita and Kriyamana karmas can be managed and influenced, Prarabdha karma must be endured. Astrology, meditation, and the use of mantras might aid in this process, as suggested by Sri Yukteshwar. However, no master or intermediary can fully erase adverse effects. Instead, one should strive to offer actions to the divine, fostering a life of righteousness and spiritual observance.

As Yogananda once wrote, ‘This is very short and inadequate reply but you may read all chapters on Karma Yoga in the Gita.

By integrating these principles into your life, you can begin the journey towards breaking bad karma and attaining spiritual liberation. The path, while challenging, is attainable and transformative.

Keywords: Karma, Paramahansa Yogananda, Karmic Debt