Karma- the law of cause and effect, of moral causation- is often a common topic of discussion among various groups of people, at some point in their life. Although, it’s very hard to understand the concept fully, yet scholars around the world have, time and again, profoundly explained the concept in various ways.

One such discussion was held in Auckland by Chinmaya Mission New Zealand on Saturday, 23 June where a panel of experts from the fields of Yoga, Vedanta, psychology, and philosophy shared their perspective on the age-old concept of Karma.

The panellists at the Veda Festival in Auckland (Image: IWK)

The event started with a keynote address by Venkat Raman, followed by a panel discussion on ‘Good Karma, bad Karma- how does it work?’.

The panellists included Venerable Amala Wrightson from Auckland Zen Centre, Swami Karma Karuna from Anahata Yoga Retreat, Golden Bay, South Island, Venerable Miaoyu of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple, Auckland and Swami Aparokshananda of Chinmaya Mission, Melbourne.

Swami Karma Karuna from Anahata Yoga Retreat, Golden Bay, South Island shared her views on Karma at the Veda Festival in Auckland (Image: IWK)

Each expert shared their viewpoints and concepts of Karma through Vendata and Yoga and how it impacts and influences individuals in daily life. The panellists also answered the questions from curious audience members who got a great insight into the complex concept of Karma.

The discussion was followed by two concurrent workshops- Karma and health by Swamini Amritanansa from Chinmaya Mission, Nelson with guided meditation, and karma and afterlife by priest and Vedic scholar Acharya Pundit Ajay Tiwari.

Priest and Vedic scholar Acharya Pundit Ajay Tiwari conducted a workshop on Karma and afterlife at Veda Festival in Auckland (Image: IWK) 

The event concluded with a presentation on ‘Karma De-mystified’ by Swami Atulananda of Chinmaya Mission, Auckland, and reflections by speakers and participants.

Attendees at the Veda Festival in Auckland (Image: IWK)

The discussions and workshops were sold out days before the event and included people from different age groups and ethnicities, indicating the fact that there is still much appetite for such intellectual talks and events in the community which gives people a chance to get life-knowledge to transform their lives.