# Karma > [!summary] > *Karma is the law of action and reaction governing all material activities. These analogies illuminate how karma works, binds the soul, and can be transcended.* ## Seed and Tree ### Actions Bear Fruit Every action is like planting a seed that eventually grows into a tree bearing fruit—some sweet, some bitter. The fruit must be experienced. ![[sb/3/31/3#purport|seed]] —SB [[sb/3/31/3|3.31.3]] Purport ## Echo ### Action Returns to Actor Karma is like an echo—whatever sound you make returns to you. Good actions return good results; bad actions return bad results. ![[sb/4/17/33#purport|echo]] —SB [[sb/4/17/33|4.17.33]] Purport ## Boomerang ### Cannot Escape Reaction Karma is like a boomerang—thrown out, it returns to the thrower. One cannot escape the reactions of one's own deeds. ![[sb/6/1/45#purport|boomerang]] —SB [[sb/6/1/45|6.1.45]] Purport ## Debt Account ### Must Be Cleared Karmic reactions are like debts that must be paid. Good karma is like credit; bad karma is like debt. The account must eventually balance. ![[sb/6/1/8#purport|debt]] —SB [[sb/6/1/8|6.1.8]] Purport ## Wheel Turning ### Endless Cycle The wheel of karma keeps turning—action creates reaction, reaction demands more action. It cannot stop until transcended by devotion. ![[bg/3/16#purport|wheel]] —Bg. [[bg/3/16|3.16]] Purport See also: [[sb/3/31/1|SB 3.31.1]] ## Prison Sentence ### Must Be Served Karmic reactions are like a prison sentence—we must serve the time for our past actions. Only the Lord's mercy can grant early release. ![[sb/3/26/5#purport|prison]] —SB [[sb/3/26/5|3.26.5]] Purport ## Fire Burning ### Reactions Consumed by Knowledge As fire burns up fuel, transcendental knowledge burns up karmic reactions. The fire of devotion is the most complete. ![[bg/4/37|fire]] —Bg. [[bg/4/37|4.37]] ## Water on Lotus Leaf ### Devotee Untouched One who acts in devotion is like a lotus leaf—though in water, it remains untouched. The devotee acts but is not bound by karma. ![[bg/5/10|lotus]] —Bg. [[bg/5/10|5.10]] *Complete reference: [[index/entries/analogies|Analogies Index]]* *See also: [[wiki/analogies/bondage|Bondage]], [[wiki/analogies/liberation|Liberation]], [[wiki/analogies/three-modes|Three Modes]]*