KARM (KARAM, KARMA)
It is a Sanskrit word, which means actions. In religious context it means acts done by a being during his life time (or previous life)
According to the Hindu Law of Karma, one reaps what one has sown (in his previous life).
In Sikhism, Karma philosophy, does not mean that the human birth is a result of the actions done in the previous life. According to the Sikh philosophy, one gets reward/punishment for one’s Karmas (actions) in this very life.
In Guru Granth Sahib, the hymns which seem to refer to the past life, are meant at clarity of the popular belief; hence relative and metaphoric and not conceptual.
According to the Sikhism, human life is a result of God’s Karam (Grace). Similarly, liberation too depends upon His Grace. Meditation, purgation of ego and truthful living, by themselves, do not entitle one to achieve liberation, as liberation too is His Graceful Blessing.
Good Karmas may lead to a better, pious life, which is an obligatory qualification for consideration for candidature in His Court for liberation.
Also see: Karam (Persian).
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(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)