Karma vs. Destiny — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 27, 2023
Karma refers to the universal principle of cause and effect, where one's actions impact one's future, while "Destiny" is a predetermined course of events or outcomes.
Difference Between Karma and Destiny
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Karma" is rooted in various Eastern religions and denotes the spiritual concept where the deeds (good or bad) of an individual influence their future circumstances. Conversely, "Destiny" implies a predetermined path or fate, regardless of one's actions or choices.
In the framework of "Karma," individuals have the ability to mold their future by leading a righteous life, whereas "Destiny" suggests that some events or outcomes are preordained and can't be altered.
While "Karma" is a continuous cycle that spans over multiple lifetimes in many beliefs, encompassing every thought, word, and deed, "Destiny" often pertains to significant life events or one's ultimate fate.
The concept of "Karma" pushes the idea that we reap what we sow, implying a moral responsibility to act rightly. "Destiny," on the other hand, might sometimes be viewed as an external force or design that shapes one's life.
Both "Karma" and "Destiny" interact with the concept of free will. While "Karma" operates on the premise that our present actions determine future outcomes, "Destiny" might be seen as limiting the scope of free will due to its predetermined nature.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Eastern religions
Universal across cultures
Nature
Action and result-based
Predetermined course
Span
Often believed to operate across lifetimes
Typically within a single lifetime
Influence on Future
Direct (actions impact future events)
Not necessarily influenced by one's actions
Interaction
Tied closely with moral responsibility and free will
Sometimes seen as limiting free will
Compare with Definitions
Karma
A moral law of the universe.
Many believe in karma, thinking it brings justice.
Destiny
A predetermined course of events.
Some believe it was their destiny to meet.
Karma
Principle of cause and effect.
His kindness in the past brought him good karma later in life.
Destiny
Fate or future that is established in advance.
She felt like becoming a writer was her destiny.
Karma
Deeds determining future events.
Her altruistic deeds ensured she had positive karma.
Destiny
A path or outcome set by a higher power.
Some people believe destiny is crafted by divine will.
Karma
A force influenced by one's actions.
Bad karma caught up with him due to his deceitful ways.
Destiny
Inevitable series of events.
They believed their love was written in destiny.
Karma
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.
Destiny
Destiny, sometimes referred to as fate (from Latin fatum "decree, prediction, destiny, fate"), is a predetermined course of events. It may be conceived as a predetermined future, whether in general or of an individual.
Karma
(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.
Destiny
The events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future
She was unable to control her own destiny
Karma
The totality of a person's actions and conduct during successive incarnations, regarded as causally influencing that person's destiny.
Destiny
The inevitable or necessary fate to which a particular person or thing is destined; one's lot.
Karma
The law or principle through which such influence is believed to operate.
Destiny
A predetermined course of events considered as something beyond human power or control
"Marriage and hanging go by destiny" (Robert Burton).
Karma
Fate or destiny resulting from one's previous actions
“[The pitcher] had mostly avoided damage through the first four innings despite putting at least two runners on base three times, but he could not hold back the bad karma any longer” (Ben Shpigel).
Destiny
The power or agency thought to predetermine events
Destiny brought them together.
Karma
(Informal) A distinctive aura, atmosphere, or feeling
There's bad karma around the house today.
Destiny
That to which any person or thing is destined; a predetermined state; a condition predestined by the Divine or by human will.
Death is the destiny of all mortal men.
Karma
The sum total of a person's actions, which determine the person's next incarnation in samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth.
Destiny
That which is inevitable in the fullness of time.
Karma
A force or law of nature which causes one to reap what one sows; destiny; fate.
Destiny
One's eventual fate (not necessarily inevitable or predestined).
Karma
(uncommon) A distinctive feeling, aura, or atmosphere.
Destiny
The fixed order of things; invincible necessity; an irresistible power or agency conceived of as determining the future, whether in general or of an individual.
Dara doesn't believe in using dating apps - she insists that destiny will find her other half.
Karma
(internet) A score assigned to a user or post on some discussion forums, indicating popularity or perceived value.
Destiny
That to which any person or thing is destined; predetermined state; condition foreordained by the Divine or by human will; fate; lot; doom.
Thither heWill come to know his destiny.
No man of woman born,Coward or brave, can shun his destiny.
Karma
One's acts considered as fixing one's lot in the future existence.
Destiny
The fixed order of things; invincible necessity; fate; a resistless power or agency conceived of as determining the future, whether in general or of an individual.
But who can turn the stream of destiny?
Fame comes only when deserved, and then is as inevitable as destiny, for it is destiny.
Marked by the Destinies to be avoided.
Karma
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.
Destiny
An event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
Karma
One's destiny; fate.
Destiny
The ultimate agency that predetermines the course of events (often personified as a woman);
We are helpless in the face of Destiny
Karma
The supposed non-physical emanations that a person gives off, which may affect other people; vibrations.
Destiny
Your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you);
Whatever my fortune may be
Deserved a better fate
Has a happy lot
The luck of the Irish
A victim of circumstances
Success that was her portion
Karma
(Hinduism and Buddhism) the effects of a person's actions that determine his destiny in his next incarnation
Destiny
A force believed to control future events.
Despite the challenges, he never questioned his destiny.
Karma
Spiritual consequence of one's actions.
He tried to rectify his wrongs, hoping to change his karma.
Common Curiosities
Is karma only associated with negative outcomes?
No, karma can result from both positive and negative actions.
Who determines one's destiny?
Beliefs vary, with some attributing destiny to a divine force and others to the universe.
Is karma exclusive to certain religions?
While rooted in Eastern religions, the concept of karma is recognized globally.
Does karma operate within one lifetime?
Many believe karma can span multiple lifetimes, impacting reincarnation.
Can destiny be altered?
Beliefs vary; some think destiny is fixed, while others believe it can be influenced.
Can one escape karma?
Most beliefs imply karma is inescapable, ensuring cosmic justice.
Is destiny always positive?
Destiny is neutral; it encompasses both favorable and adverse events.
Can good deeds offset bad karma?
Many believe that righteous actions can neutralize past negative karma.
Are destiny and fate the same?
They are closely related, with both referring to predetermined outcomes.
Can destiny be predicted?
Some believe in divination methods to foresee destiny, though accuracy is debated.
Is karma always instant?
Not necessarily; karma may manifest immediately or after a long time.
Is there a connection between destiny and religion?
Many religions have concepts akin to destiny, but interpretations vary.
Is belief in karma or destiny universal?
While concepts akin to karma and destiny exist worldwide, interpretations and beliefs differ across cultures.
Does everyone have a set karma?
Karma is believed to be accumulated based on one's actions and choices.
Can one change their destiny?
Opinions differ, with some believing in fixed destiny and others in malleable fate.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
