Prarabdha karma is the portion of sanchita karma that we have to face in this present lifetime. However, prarabdha karma is not entirely uniform or homogeneous. It has some variations or subtypes that reflect the different degrees of intensity and flexibility of our karmic consequences. There are three subtypes of prarabdha karma²³:
1. Ichha Prarabdha Karma: The prarabdha karma that is personally desired by us. It is the result of our strong attachments, cravings, or ambitions in our past lives. It is also the most difficult to overcome, because it involves our ego and willpower. Ichha prarabdha can be positive or negative, depending on whether we pursued our desires in a righteous or unrighteous way².
2. Anichha Prarabdha Karma: The prarabdha karma that is without desire or against our wish. It is the result of our ignorance, negligence, or mistakes in our past lives. It is also the easiest to accept, because it does not involve our ego or willpower. Anichha prarabdha can be positive or negative, depending on whether we learned from our errors or repeated them².
3. Parechha Prarabdha Karma: The prarabdha karma that is due to others’ desire or influence. It is the result of our interactions, relationships, or obligations with other beings in our past lives. It is also the most unpredictable, because it involves the free will and choices of others. Parechha prarabdha can be positive or negative, depending on whether we helped or harmed others².
These subtypes of prarabdha karma can help us understand why we experience different kinds of situations and challenges in our life. They can also help us develop different attitudes and responses to cope with them. For example, we can try to detach ourselves from ichha prarabdha, surrender ourselves to anichha prarabdha, and empathize with parechha prarabdha².
Source: Conversation with Bing, 2023-09-06
(1) Prarabdha karma – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prarabdha_karma.
(2) What is Prarabdha Karma? – Definition from Yogapedia. https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/8476/prarabdha-karma.
(3) Prarabdha-karma, Prārabdha-karma, Prarabdhakarma, Prārabdhakarma: 7 …. https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/prarabdha-karma.
