Yoga Sūtra 2.14 expands on the workings of karma, emphasizing that virtuous actions (puṇya) bring pleasure, while non-virtuous actions (apuṇya) lead to suffering. Whether or not we subscribe to the concept of reincarnation, it is difficult to deny the reality of cause and effect in our lives. Every action, thought, and intention leaves an imprint that shapes our experiences.

If our thoughts are negative, they create negative results. If we allow patterns of unwholesome thinking to persist, we will face undesirable consequences. Cleaning up the thinking that leads to suffering is essential to break free from cycles of pain and struggle. Managing karma is not about avoiding difficulty but meeting life with awareness and intention.

Here are three key ways to manage karma:

1. Take full responsibility for our actions. We must acknowledge that past choices shape our present circumstances. This isn’t about blaming ourselves but recognizing our agency in shaping our future.

2. Live mindfully. As Yoda said in Star Wars, “Be mindful of your thoughts.” By paying attention to the impact of our actions and cultivating awareness (vijñāna), we can gain insight into how our thinking influences our reality.

3. Cultivate resilience in overcoming challenges. Even if we cannot always trace the cause and effect (karma-phala) in our lives, we can accept both pleasure and discomfort with equanimity. Developing a positive mindset in difficult times strengthens our inner stability (sthira).

Practices like meditation are powerful tools in this process. Learning to sit still helps us develop the ability to endure difficult situations mentally and emotionally.

This brings us to Yoga Sūtra 1.12, where Patañjali provides the fundamental approach to stilling the mind:

"abhyāsa-vairāgyābhyāṁ tan-nirodhaḥ"
"The fluctuations of the mind are controlled through practice (abhyāsa) and non-attachment (vairāgya)."

To truly practice yoga, we must cultivate effort (abhyāsa) while also developing non-attachment (vairāgya)—a state of non-dependence on outcomes.

Being mindful of our expectations allows us to act with clarity rather than attachment. The balance between taking action and letting go of results is key. No matter what happens, we can always choose wisdom (prajñā), compassion (karuṇā), and mindfulness (smṛti)—even when life does not unfold as we hoped.

Choose to align with the highest qualities within you.