Karma and Its Results

Garud asked: Lord, what happens to a being who does wrong? The Lord said: Garud, every action bears its fruit. As the seed is sown, so the crop grows. This is not anyone's revenge; it is the law of karmaphal, which applies equally to all.

The Puran describes many hells, such as Tamisra, Raurav, Kumbhipak and Asipatravan. Each is linked to a particular kind of wrongdoing: taking what belongs to others, cheating, tormenting innocent creatures, insulting one's parents, or giving false witness.

These descriptions should be read as teaching. Their purpose is to show that the pain we give others comes back to us in some form. One who burns others is burned. One who deceives finds no trust. We see this even in this life, all around us.

The Puran makes another important point: this punishment is not forever. After experiencing the results of its deeds, the soul is purified and moves on. Just as gold becomes pure when heated in fire, this is a process of cleansing. And the fruit of good deeds is described as the joy of heaven.

The greatest hope is that the Puran speaks again and again of the power of repentance and of God's name. One who sincerely admits a mistake, corrects it and takes refuge in God finds their path changed. So this is not a chapter of fear but a chapter about the chance to change.