In various spiritual and philosophical traditions, karma is believed to be the principle that governs the cycle of cause and effect, shaping one's destiny. Good actions lead to positive outcomes, while negative actions lead to negative outcomes, although the timing and nature of these consequences can vary. It is often said that the fruits of karma can be enjoyed in this birth only. But past karma sets the stage, creating certain circumstances and tendencies that may influence the destiny. Giving as insight into how karma and destiny is related, Sanskrit says :
अभ्यासानुसरी विद्या बुद्धिः कर्मानुसारिणी |
उद्योगानुसरी लक्ष्मी फलं भाग्यानुसारि च ||
Abhyaasaanusaree vidyaa buddhih karmaanusaarinee. Udyogaanusaree lakshmi phalam bhaagyaanusaari cha.
Abhyaasaanusaree = abhyaas + anusaree.
Abhyaas = practise.
Nausaree = as a consequence of.
Vidyaa = knowldege, learning.
Buddhih = intelligence, perception. Karmaanusaarinee = karma + anusaarinee.
Karma = interprise, action.
Anusaarinee = as a consequence of.
Lakshmi = wealth.
Phalam = reward, product.
Bhaagyaanusaari = according to one's destiny.
Cha = and.
i.e. Knowledge and learning is acquired through constant practise, and the intelligence and perception of a person develops as a consequence of his activities. Wealth is better acquired through enterprise and hard work, and the reward of all actions is ultimately as a consequence of one's destiny.
A stage sometimes comes in one's life that in spite of best efforts the person is not successful in his endeavour. There is a popular shaloka too which says ;
Bhaagyam phalati sarvatra na cha vidyaa na cha paurusham
Which is translated to Fate brings success everywhere, not knowledge or effort
This saying suggests that destiny plays a significant role in determining success, even more so than knowledge or hard work. It implies that sometimes, despite having intelligence and putting in effort, one may not achieve desired results due to a lack of favorable fate. And to improve the fate, one need to do god karma that will help in building a good destiny.
An individuals are not powerless to shape their future through conscious choices and actions. It is a journey of self-creation, where our actions determine the path we walk, even if the starting point is influenced by past karma.