Bīja (बीज): The Seeds of Karma

Impulses of Selflessness: How Small Actions Can Create Big Change

written by Kira Ernst

Every action we take sets something in motion. When we act selflessly, we lay the foundation for change—even if we don’t see the results immediately, and even if the outcome is not in our hands. Just like in spring, when growth begins invisibly, our actions sometimes unfold much later. The Sanskrit word Bīja means seed—not only in the literal sense but also as a symbol for thoughts, actions, and intentions. These seeds carry the potential for our future, much like karma, which unfolds over time. Some seeds sprout quickly, while others remain dormant until the right conditions make them grow.

In Short: What is Karma?

The word Karma comes from Sanskrit and means action or deed. Often, karma is misunderstood as a collection of negative circumstances. But, in fact, it refers to the principle of cause and effect: According to karma, every action we take has consequences—whether in the present or in the future.

While this is just a brief glimpse, the philosophy of Karma teaches that:

• What happens to us is of our own making.

• We are responsible for what happens to us in the future.

• We grow through experiences. Events are neither rewards nor punishments, but opportunities to grow.

Everything we do, think, and feel leaves traces. These traces are Bijas – the seeds of karma. They lie hidden in our subconscious and can sprout at any time depending on the conditions, influencing our lives. Some show their effect immediately, while others take much longer.

The Traces We Leave Behind

Often, we think that small gestures make no big difference. Yet, like a young sprout that grows slowly, they can have a significant impact in the long run.

Perhaps a single moment of kindness can change someone’s entire day. Maybe sincere words leave a trace that lingers longer than we realize. Perhaps we give someone hope without even knowing it.

Small Gestures That Can Make a Difference in Everyday Life:

• Offering help in daily life, even if it doesn’t fit into your schedule.

• Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

• Approaching someone with more understanding.

• “Random Act of Kindness” – doing something good for someone else selflessly.

• Listening without already thinking about your own answer.

• Saying a sincere “Thank you for your trust!”

Not every gesture will be carried forward, and that’s okay. But those that do can grow bigger than we ever imagined.

Trust in the Invisible

Anyone who has ever planted something knows: It requires patience. You water, provide light—and then you wait. You can’t dig up the earth every day to see if something is happening. You must trust that growth is occurring in the unseen.The same goes for selfless acts. We don’t always see the results immediately. Sometimes we even doubt whether it made any difference at all, but that’s not the point of selfless action.

Think about the people who have shaped you—perhaps a teacher, a friend, or even a stranger who gave you the right words or a smile at the right time.They may not have known that their actions triggered something in you. But they did.Why should it be any different for you?

But not only our outer lives, but also our inner patterns are shaped by Bījas. Our deepest thought habits—the Samskaras—often lie dormant and can sprout again at any moment. That’s why it’s so important to consciously choose which thoughts and actions we nurture. Positive Bījas, like compassion and selflessness, can bring something beautiful over time. Negative habits lose their power when we don’t give them attention.

Spring as a Reminder

Spring is a time of new beginnings. It reminds us that it’s worth initiating things, even when we can’t immediately see the results. Light drives away the darkness of winter, and it becomes much easier to share our own light with the world again.

A Few Ways to Anchor This Thought in Your Daily Life:

• Pause and reflect. What energy are you bringing into the world? What positive impulses do you want to set more consciously?

• Write about a moment when a small gesture from someone else left a lasting impact on you. Become aware of how much small things can count.

• What Bijas, seeds, do you want to plant or nurture in your next yoga practice?

• Carry out one small selfless act per day—without expectation of the outcome.

Letting Go and Trusting the Process

Every action sets something in motion. We don’t always need to see where it leads. The goal is not to control the result—but to keep going, to trust, and to know: Even the smallest impulses can eventually create something beautiful.The principle of cause and effect, of karma, reminds us: Our actions don’t just disappear. They set something in motion that is bigger than us.When we understand that our thoughts and actions are seeds that will eventually sprout, it becomes clear: It’s up to us what we plant.

So let’s consciously spread inspiration this spring—through kindness, patience, and generosity. Without expectation, but with trust. Because who knows? Perhaps something will grow from it that will resonate far beyond us.

Selfless Acts remind us that we are not so different from others in this world.

We often feel isolated, different, and separated from each other. Selfless actions can create positive impulses for a better world and bring us back to the feeling of connection and community.

🍃 What small impulse do you want to set today? 🍃