Someone lets you into traffic.

Later that day, you let somebody else in.

Nothing remarkable there.

But what about the bigger things?

You help someone when they desperately need it, expecting absolutely nothing in return. Years later, when you need help, it arrives from somewhere completely unexpected.

We often call it karma.

But is there really something behind the old saying, “What goes around comes around?”

What Is the Law of Karma?

The Law of Karma is an ancient idea, most strongly associated with Indian religions and philosophies, including Hinduism and Buddhism.

At its simplest, karma connects our actions with consequences.

Over time, however, we’ve developed a much more everyday interpretation:

What you put out into the world eventually finds its way back to you.

Kindness attracts kindness.

Generosity creates generosity.

And if you spend your life making everybody else’s existence miserable…

Well, perhaps don’t stand underneath any ladders. 😄

Is the Universe Keeping Score?

I don’t imagine the Universe sitting somewhere with an enormous ledger.

Helped elderly lady across the road: +5.

Stole somebody’s parking space: -12.

Didn’t return supermarket trolley: we’re going to need a meeting.

Perhaps karma is much subtler than that.

Every action creates another action.

You encourage someone, and they become more confident.

Their confidence leads them to take an opportunity.

Years later, something they do affects somebody else.

One small act can travel through dozens of lives without the person who started it ever knowing.

And occasionally, that enormous circle seems to come all the way back.

Has something good you’ve done ever returned to you in a completely unexpected way? Tell us about it in the comments below. I’d love to hear your karma stories.

The Other Side of Karma

Of course, karma has acquired something of a reputation for revenge.

Someone behaves badly, something unfortunate immediately happens to them, and everybody quietly thinks:

Karma.

But I prefer the positive side.

Imagine what happens when we deliberately put more good into circulation.

A compliment.

An introduction.

A generous tip.

An opportunity given to somebody who needs a break.

A few encouraging words when someone is ready to give up.

We may never see where those actions eventually lead.

But that doesn’t mean they disappear.

Can Good Fortune Find Its Way Home?

Perhaps you’ve experienced this yourself.

You do something kind, forget all about it, and months or years later, something wonderful happens that seems strangely connected.

Was the Universe returning the favor?

Was it simply coincidence?

Or did your original action begin a chain of events that eventually circled back?

Maybe we’ll never know.

But there’s something rather hopeful about the Law of Karma.

It suggests that what we do matters, even when nobody is watching.

Every kindness sends something into the world.

Every generous act changes something, however slightly.

And perhaps that’s reason enough to send out a little more of the good stuff.

After all…

You never know when it might find its way home.

More From Stories From The Universe

If you love stories about karma, coincidence, fate, divine timing, unexpected connections, and life’s mysterious twists,Stories From The Universe by Keith Everett contains 36 uplifting stories that invite you to wonder whether there’s more going on than we realize.

P.S. For more about manifestation, abundance, divine timing, and the remarkable teachings of Florence Scovel Shinn, visit the Florence Scovel Shinn Legacy YouTube channel.