We live on the internet as much as we do offline today. Everything we post and comment and click leaves a trace of our “they” behind, as much as our own “I.” Interestingly, the digital world reflects a spiritual law: the Law of Karma. Similar to how Karma works, our online actions leave a mark that can affect our image, privacy, and peace of mind. Let’s see how the three kinds of karma—Sanchita, Prarabdha, and Agami—can help us achieve a balanced and ethical digital life.
Sanchita Karma – Your Digital Footprint
Sanchita Karma is the total of every thought, word, and action you have ever done in your past lives. It is the karma you already have. In the digital world, this is precisely like your digital footprint: all your past activities across social media, emails, websites, and devices. Every old post, tweet, photo, or comment is still online, passively influencing how the world sees you.
Digital Lesson
Before you post, think long term. Anything you’ve ever posted can resurface in a job interview, a background check, or the media. Just as good karma strengthens your spiritual personality, a wholesome digital footprint adds to your credibility.
Precautionary steps
- Review your own posts regularly and delete inappropriate ones.
- Make changes to your privacy settings on social media platforms.
- Use your online presence to radiate kindness and positivity.
Prarabdha Karma – The Consequences You’re Facing Now
This current life that you are experiencing is the result of Prarabdha Karma, or that particular part of your past karma. Equally, this is the immediate effect of your online choices in the digital world. When you share misinformation, troll, or get scammed, the damage is done without delay—like a damaged reputation, committed cybercrime, or loss of peace.
Digital Lesson
What you face online today—whether a data breach, cyberbullying, or identity theft—is often due to your current habits online. Just a moment of letting your guard down, whether that involves clicking on a fake link or overstating personal information, can change the course of your digital life.
Precautionary steps
- Keep your guard up when clicking on or sharing anything.
- Try using unique passwords and two-factor authorisations.
- When in doubt, pause, verify, and act as you see fit.
Agami Karma – Creating Your Digital Future
Agami Karma is your present karma that will bring about future results. In today’s digital sense, it is your mood, which can be seen from the tone you speak in, the kind of content you create, and how you treat others online. Each small act builds your digital future.
When you use technology with empathy, share your genuine self, and respect the privacy of others, you create digital karma, which ensures safety, respect, and meaningful relationships. Spreading hate or misinformation and exploiting the data of others gives you negative digital karma that comes back later as stress, distrust, and even legal troubles.
Precautionary steps
- Always stay mindful of what you post online.
- Always seek consent and respect copyright and privacy in the online world.
- Help your family take healthy screen breaks and develop digital detox habits.
From Karma Yoga to Cyber Yoga
In ancient times, Karma Yoga, above all else, is the art of doing—it is the art of doing your duty. Nowadays, a similar practice is needed for our online lives. It will require a good kind of Cyber Yoga. It should involve clicks that are mindful, and posts and connections that are respectful. Think before you act, restrain before you react, and post with purpose. That is the new mantra for digital well-being.
The Path to Digital Peace
Just as karmic science will guide you towards your spiritual destiny, your online behaviour will take you closer to your online destiny. Every post, message, and share creates ripples, be it good or bad. If we use our digital ‘weapons’ in our everyday life, we can make a world that prioritises the truth rather than trend, empathy rather than engagement, and wellbeing rather than validation.
Let your digital presence reflect the best version of yourself—responsible, caring, and conscious. After all, good karma online means good peace offline.
Anil Rachamalla
Founder of End Now Foundation, Internet Ethics & Digital Wellness Expert
End Now Foundation is India’s pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to promoting better internet ethics and digital well-being. With a core mission of advocating for digital safety, we collaborate across sectors to raise awareness and empower communities