Fate vs. Karma — What's the Difference?

Often associated with divine or cosmic forces.

Acts as a self-regulating mechanism within the universe.

Seen as unalterable and inevitable.

Fundamental in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Frequently linked to destiny or predestination.

Believed to affect one's future lives as well as the present.

A predetermined course of events beyond human control.

A principle where intent and actions influence future happiness.

Central in many Western philosophies and literature.

Encourages moral responsibility and ethical living.

The supposed force, principle, or power that predetermines events

Karma (; Sanskrit: कर्म, IPA: [ˈkɐɽmɐ] (listen); Pali: kamma) means action, work, or deed. The term also refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect, often descriptively called the principle of karma, wherein intent and actions of an individual (cause) influence the future of that individual (effect): 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.The philosophy of karma is closely associated with the idea of rebirth in many schools of Indian religions (particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism), as well as Taoism.

The inevitable events predestined by this force

(in Hinduism and Buddhism) the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.

A final result or consequence; an outcome

The totality of a person's actions and conduct during successive incarnations, regarded as causally influencing that person's destiny.

Fates Greek & Roman Mythology The three goddesses, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, who control human destiny. Used with the.

The law or principle through which such influence is believed to operate.

The presumed cause, force, principle, or divine will that predetermines events.

Fate or destiny resulting from one's previous actions

The effect, consequence, outcome, or inevitable events predetermined by this cause.

(Informal) A distinctive aura, atmosphere, or feeling

An event or a situation which is inevitable in the fullness of time.

A force or law of nature which causes one to reap what one sows; destiny; fate.

(mythology) Fate (one of the goddesses said to control the destiny of human beings).

(uncommon) A distinctive feeling, aura, or atmosphere.

(biochemistry) The products of a chemical reaction in their final form in the biosphere.

(internet) A score assigned to a user or post on some discussion forums, indicating popularity or perceived value.

(embryology) The mature endpoint of a region, group of cells or individual cell in an embryo, including all changes leading to that mature endpoint

One's acts considered as fixing one's lot in the future existence.

(transitive) To foreordain or predetermine, to make inevitable.

The doctrine of fate as the inflexible result of cause and effect, especially the principle by which a person is rewarded or punished in a subsequent incarnation for deeds in the previous incarnation; the theory of inevitable consequence.

A fixed decree by which the order of things is prescribed; the immutable law of the universe; inevitable necessity; the force by which all existence is determined and conditioned.

One's destiny; fate.

The element of chance in the affairs of life; the unforeseen and unestimated conitions considered as a force shaping events; fortune; esp., opposing circumstances against which it is useless to struggle; as, fate was, or the fates were, against him.

The supposed non-physical emanations that a person gives off, which may affect other people; vibrations.

The three goddesses, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, sometimes called the Destinies, or Parcæwho were supposed to determine the course of human life. They are represented, one as holding the distaff, a second as spinning, and the third as cutting off the thread.

(Hinduism and Buddhism) the effects of a person's actions that determine his destiny in his next incarnation

An event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

The ultimate agency that predetermines the course of events (often personified as a woman);

Your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you);

Decree or designate beforehand;

In beliefs that accept reincarnation, karma from previous lives affects one's current circumstances and future reincarnations.

Karma teaches that ethical behavior leads to positive outcomes, thereby promoting moral conduct.

Not necessarily; fate can be positive or negative, depending on the cultural context and the specific circumstances described.

Traditionally, fate is seen as inescapable and unchangeable, integral to its definition.

Belief in fate might decrease motivation for some, as they feel outcomes are predetermined, while it might comfort others by providing a sense of order.

People can influence their karma through their actions, intentions, and ethical decisions.

Fate and predestination are similar, both implying a lack of control over events, but predestination is often more closely tied to religious doctrines.

Karma is a religious and philosophical concept, supported more by scriptural and doctrinal texts than empirical evidence.

Philosophical issues include debates over free will, moral responsibility, and the nature of divine justice.

Some philosophical and religious systems might incorporate elements of both, though they are fundamentally different concepts.

By definition, fate is unchangeable and cannot be altered through human actions.

Interpretations vary, but generally, karma is seen as a universal law of moral causality that ensures justice.

Yes, karma can be interpreted as a self-regulating system that maintains moral and cosmic balance.

Beliefs in fate might lead to resignation or comfort, whereas beliefs in karma might encourage proactive ethical behavior.

Belief in karma can influence legal and social norms, encouraging a culture of responsibility and ethical behavior.