Article XLII: Karma and Predestination

Karma described by Vedanta is often misunderstood as a form of predestination, i.e. a person has no control over their life because it is predetermined by their previous karma in this life and in past lives. It may be true that where you are now is determined by your past actions, but more importantly, where you will be is determined by your current actions. Your future is not predestined. It may be affected by your past actions in this life and in previous births, but your future is determined by your actions or karma at present. Hence, the concepts of karma do not necessitate a pessimistic view of life with no control. In contrast, the law of karma states that you have total control over your future by the actions or karma that you perform at present.