The Ramayana and Karma: What Goes Around Comes Around

अद्य वा श्वो वा पुत्र कर्मणो लभते फलम्॥"**
(Whether good or bad, every action bears its fruit—if not today, then tomorrow.)

Life has a way of balancing itself. The words we speak, the choices we make, the way we treat others—it all comes back, sometimes when we least expect it. A kind gesture returns in unexpected ways, while a moment of arrogance eventually demands its price. It may take days, years, or even lifetimes, but karma never forgets.

The Ramayana is more than an epic; it’s a timeless lesson in this very truth. It doesn’t just tell the story of gods and demons but of humans—flawed, emotional, and bound by the weight of their own actions. Rama’s patience, Ravana’s arrogance, Kaikeyi’s fear, and Sita’s resilience—each of their journeys is shaped by karma. Some rise through righteousness, some fall through greed, and some realize too late that their own choices sealed their fate.

As we step into their world, one decision at a time, the question isn’t about them—it’s about us. What kind of karma are we setting in motion? Because in the end, what goes around always comes around.

"धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः" (Dharma protects those who uphold it).

When Rama, the rightful heir to the throne, is exiled due to Kaikeyi’s demand, he doesn’t resist. He simply walks away, believing in dharma—the righteousness that always protects those who uphold it. Little does he know, this choice sets in motion events that will test his patience, love, and strength.

Life, too, begins with choices. Every word we say, every step we take—it’s like planting a seed. The question is, are we planting trees of wisdom or thorns of regret?

"विद्या ददाति विनयं" (Knowledge gives humility).

While Rama accepts his fate with grace, Ravana takes the opposite path. Despite being a learned scholar, his arrogance blinds him. He lusts after Sita and kidnaps her, ignoring every warning. But karma, like an ocean tide, cannot be stopped once set in motion. His downfall has already begun.

We often see this in real life—how ego makes us take what isn’t ours, thinking we can escape the consequences. But can we ever really outrun karma?
Lakshmana, in a moment of anger, mutilates Shurpanakha, Ravana’s sister. It feels like justice in that instant, but the ripples of this action soon turn into a tsunami. Shurpanakha’s pain fuels Ravana’s wrath, setting the stage for war.

One impulsive decision can change everything. A hurtful word, a reckless move—we may think it’s small, but karma doesn’t forget. What ripples are we creating in our own lives?

"न कर्मणा न प्रजया धनेन त्यागेनैके अमृतत्वमानशुः" (Not by wealth, lineage, or actions alone, but by sacrifice, one attains immortality).

Sita, the one who has done no wrong, finds herself tested the most. She is kidnapped, doubted, and even forced to prove her purity. But she stands tall, unwavering. Her strength is her karma—she chooses dignity over suffering. And in the end, when the world questions her again, she walks away, proving that self-respect is the ultimate liberation.

Life often tests us unfairly, but our karma is not in what happens to us—it’s in how we respond. Do we break, or do we rise?
Ravana, who once thought himself invincible, stands alone as his empire crumbles. His own arrogance led to his destruction. His karma has come full circle. No army, no power can save him now.

How often do we see this in life? The ones who misuse power, manipulate others, or act out of greed eventually face their downfall. It’s not fate—it’s just the mirror reflecting back.
Kaikeyi, who once thought she was securing her son’s future, realizes she has destroyed her own happiness. Her beloved son, Bharat, refuses the throne, her husband dies heartbroken, and she is left with nothing but regret. Her karma is not just in what she lost—it’s in knowing that she was the reason for it.

How many times do we make decisions out of fear, jealousy, or insecurity, only to regret them later? The hardest part of karma is knowing we did it to ourselves.

Rama returns as king. Not because he fought for it, but because he let karma take its course. Sita leaves with her dignity intact. Ravana falls, Lakshmana learns, and Kaikeyi lives with the consequences of her actions. The Ramayana completes its full circle, just as life always does.

And so, we return to where we started—every action leads to its consequence. Every choice shapes our future. What karma are we creating today?
The Ramayana isn’t just a story from the past; it’s a lesson for the present and a guide for the future. It shows us that karma is always watching, always weaving our fate with the threads of our actions.

So, take a moment to reflect—what seeds are we planting today? Are we walking the path of wisdom, patience, and kindness? Or are we setting ourselves up for lessons we’ll learn the hard way?

Because in the end, what goes around truly does come around.

What will your karma bring back to you?