Dr Manju Antil (Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist)

In the quietude of my contemplative moments, I find solace in the ancient wisdom of Indian philosophy. The concepts of Karma and Vāsanās—like delicate threads—bind the fabric of existence, revealing patterns that transcend mere happenstance.

Karma, resonating with the Sanskrit essence of “action” or “deed,” is more than a cosmic ledger of retribution. It is the heartbeat of existence—the ripple effect where intention and action intertwine. Each choice, every step, echoes across time, shaping not only this life but also the next. The universe, like a master weaver, stitches our deeds into the tapestry of destiny.

And then there are Vāsanās, those subtle imprints etched upon the canvas of consciousness. They linger, like whispers of forgotten melodies, influencing our present behavior. These karmic echoes are not passive remnants; they mold our perceptions, color our desires, and guide our thoughts. They are the unseen currents that nudge us toward familiar shores.

The interplay between Karma and Vāsanās is intricate—a dance of cause and effect. Karma sows seeds, and Vāsanās provide fertile soil. Our past actions—the seeds—have scripted the lines of our present reality. Our choices now—the tilling of soil—shape the contours of our future. This cycle, like a cosmic carousel, propels us through lifetimes, as if our souls are travelers collecting experiences along the way.

But this isn’t mere philosophy; it’s a moral compass. Our circumstances aren’t random—they emerge from the loom of our deeds, thoughts, and desires. Responsibility blooms from this understanding. Ethical living becomes our compass, for the effects of our actions circle back, like homing birds, to nest in our lives.

Yet, there lies liberation within this cosmic choreography. By peering into our Vāsanās—the hidden grooves—we can rewrite our destiny. Meditation becomes our chisel, mindfulness our brush. We chip away at old impressions, layer by layer, until the soul emerges unburdened. This quest for freedom—Moksha—is our pilgrimage, transcending the wheel of birth and death.

In the ebb and flow of existence, I find myself—a note in the grand symphony. Karma and Vāsanās guide my steps, urging me to dance with purpose. I am not an isolated wanderer; I am stardust, woven into the cosmic fabric. And so, I embrace these truths, seeking harmony within the universal laws that bind us all.