purvakarma

Purvakarma, also written purva-karma, is a term used in Hindu philosophy to describe deeds performed in past lives whose effects are believed to influence a person’s present life. The word purva means former or previous, and karma means action or deed. In this context, purvakarma refers to the accumulated karmic seeds generated in earlier existences.

In traditional accounts of karma, purvakarma is closely related to broader concepts such as sanchita, prarabdha, and agami karma. Purvakarma is often associated with the total stock of past actions (sanchita karma) from all previous lives. From this reservoir, a portion manifests in the current life as prarabdha karma, shaping circumstances, abilities, challenges, and dispositions. Different philosophical schools balance these terms in slightly different ways, so some texts treat purvakarma as essentially equivalent to sanchita, while others emphasize it as the past portion that bears fruit in the present incarnation.

Purvakarma is understood to influence tendencies, talents, and life conditions more than isolated incidents. It does not determine fate in an absolute sense; ethical and spiritual practices in the present life—along with the accruing agami karma from current actions—can modify outcomes, purify karmic impressions, or accelerate liberation. Practices such as self-discipline, meditation, righteous conduct, and devotion are traditionally seen as ways to transform or dilute karmic effects over time.

In summary, purvakarma denotes past deeds that contribute to present life circumstances, functioning within a broader framework of karmic action. Interpretations vary by tradition, but the core idea is that earlier actions leave impression and influence, while ongoing effort in the present can alter their fruits.