आत्मना पपराम् परिति निषाम् यत्य सर्वम् | कर्मा सात्याय जयते यता निराकारम् ||
("The actions of men follow their nature, but only those rooted in righteousness truly emerge victorious.")

Have you ever looked at the world and thought—why do good people struggle while those who betray, manipulate, and deceive seem to thrive? If good intentions really mattered, why do we see liars in power, cheaters with wealth, and the kind-hearted often left behind?

In India, many of us grew up listening to stories from the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. Krishna’s wisdom tells us about karma and dharma, yet in today’s world, it feels like the ones who bend the rules are the ones who win the game.

So, does karma really work? Or is it just something we tell ourselves to feel better? Let’s break it down.
1. The Illusion of Success: Are Betrayers Really Winning? We often think of success in terms of money, status, and power. But ask yourself—how many of these “successful” people are truly at peace? History is full of stories where kings, CEOs, and political leaders gained everything, only to lose themselves.

Remember Duryodhana from Mahabharata? He had the throne, power, and influence, but did he ever experience peace? His victories were temporary, but his downfall was inevitable.

True success isn’t measured by fleeting gains but by inner fulfillment. People who betray may look like winners on the surface, but their lives are often built on fear and insecurity.
2. Krishna’s Perspective: Dharma is the Long Game Krishna never promised that good people wouldn’t suffer. Even the Pandavas—who followed dharma—were exiled for years. But he did promise that dharma always prevails in the end.

Think about the world like a long game of chess. Those who cheat may win a few moves, but the game isn’t over yet. The universe balances itself in ways we can’t always see immediately.

Krishna tells Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita:

“सुख-दुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ |”

( "Remain steadfast in both joy and sorrow, in gain and loss, in victory and defeat.")

Dharma works beyond the material world—it’s about inner peace, long-term justice, and fulfillment beyond just wealth and power.
3. The Hidden Cost of Betrayal It’s easy to think that betrayers win, but what we don’t see is the price they pay. Deception, manipulation, and dishonesty may bring material success, but they come at the cost of peace, trust, and relationships.

Have you ever noticed how people who betray others live in constant fear? Fear of being exposed, overthrown, or outplayed. They may have wealth, but their minds are restless. The weight of their actions follows them everywhere.

Even in modern times, we see powerful figures who build their empires on lies—only for their truth to catch up with them. Scandals, betrayals, and personal failures always come back to haunt them. 4. Karma is Not Instant, But It Never MissesA common frustration is: “If karma is real, why do bad people get away with everything?”

The answer? Karma is not Amazon Prime; it doesn’t offer next-day delivery. It works on its own timeline, sometimes taking years or even lifetimes to play out.

Think about history—dictators fall, scandals get exposed, and corrupt leaders are eventually dethroned. The universe keeps its balance. It’s just that justice isn’t always immediate.

Krishna explains:

“न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत् |”

( "No one can remain inactive even for a moment; karma is always at work.")

We may not always see it, but karma is a silent force that never fails to balance the scales.

5. The Real Question: What Kind of Success Do You Want? If success is defined only by money and power, then sure—betrayers “win.” But if success means a life of peace, respect, and legacy, then deception is a losing game.

Look at people who are truly happy. They aren’t the ones with the most money; they’re the ones who sleep peacefully at night, who have relationships built on trust, and who don’t have to look over their shoulders.

Would you rather be remembered for integrity or manipulation? The choice is yours.

The Bhagavad Gita reminds us:

“यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत |”

( "Whenever there is a decline in righteousness, I manifest to restore balance.")

Success without peace is meaningless. The real winners are those who walk the righteous path, even when it's difficult.

6. The World Needs More Good People to Stay GoodMany good people question whether they should abandon their values because they see the corrupt getting ahead. But think about this—if the good ones give up, who will be left to bring balance?

Krishna didn’t ask Arjuna to sit and watch injustice happen—he asked him to fight for dharma. The world doesn’t need fewer good people; it needs more of them to stand strong.

Your actions may not always bring immediate rewards, but they shape a world where honesty and kindness still matter.

The Power of Good IntentionsThe world may seem unfair, but dharma is a slow-burning flame—it doesn’t flicker under pressure. Betrayers may shine brightly for a moment, but they burn out just as fast.

Krishna teaches us that while shortcuts exist, they come at a cost. The real power isn’t in temporary wins but in choosing the path that lets you live without fear, regret, or guilt.

So, the next time you wonder why deceivers seem to win, ask yourself: Would you rather live a life of fleeting power or a life of true peace?

The answer, as always, lies in dharma.

"For in the end, the world doesn’t remember what you had, but how you lived."