2026.07.16

What Are Karmic Creditors, and How Are Enmities Resolved? A Complete Guide

When nothing goes smoothly and one is inexplicably blocked, elders often say it is "karmic creditors" seeking repayment. What exactly are karmic creditors, why do they affect this life, and how are the enmities resolved? This article fully explains the meaning of karmic creditors and the ways of resolving enmity.

What Are Karmic Creditors?

"Enmity" is grievance, "kin" is connection, "debt" is what is owed — karmic creditors are beings with whom we have grievances, debts or unresolved karma from past lives.

First layer: those in this present life with whom we have formed grievances or debts.

Second layer: beings across the lifetimes of saṃsāra with whom we once had enmity or whom we harmed.

They come to seek repayment for unresolved karma, often appearing as inexplicable, recurring obstacles in health, fortune and relationships.

How to Know If You Are Affected

Nothing goes smoothly; inexplicable obstacles keep recurring, and effort always meets a wall.

Health or mood wavers for no discernible reason.

At crucial moments one is interrupted by inexplicable people or events.

(The above are common folk sayings; the root still returns to confession, good deeds and transforming the mind. If you have symptoms of body or mind, please seek medical care.)

Master's Teaching: The Root of Resolution Is First to Let Go

Urgyen Topden Rinpoche teaches in "Heart-to-Heart Talks":

"Hold on to resentment, and karmic obstacles will not clear. Transform the mind, grant the other a way out — in truth, it is granting yourself a way out."

"The karma of past lives is like a lawsuit; willing to settle, one lightens the sentence. Treat the illness at its root and make amends in earnest, and adverse conditions naturally dissolve."

The master often says that true resolution lies not only in the form of the puja but in the breath within one's own heart — when you are willing to forgive and to repay, the knot of enmity truly loosens. This is why resolving enmity begins with "liberating oneself."

How to Resolve Karmic Creditors: Four Directions

Confession: sincerely confessing the karma created across lifetimes is the starting point.

Letting go: releasing the resentment and hatred within — the root the master stresses, first liberating one's own resentment.

Dedication: reciting scripture, doing good and practising, dedicating the merit to the karmic creditors.

Puja: through the blessing of a Puja for Karmic Creditors presided over by a qualified guru, guiding both sides to resolve enmity.

Fahsilin's Approach

The Puja for Karmic Creditors presided over by Urgyen Topden Rinpoche uses the Dharma of confession and the dedication of merit to help resolve enmities with karmic creditors of many lifetimes. The Rinpoche has the power to perceive cause and effect, discerning the root of an obstacle, and guides its resolution according to the Nyingma practice, so that life gains steadiness time and again.

What does "karmic creditors" mean?

"Enmity" is grievance, "kin" is connection, "debt" is what is owed; karmic creditors are beings with whom we have grievances, debts or unresolved karma from past lives, and enmity can be resolved through confession and the dedication of merit.

How are karmic creditors resolved?

Beginning with confession and, at root, letting go of resentment, then dedicating merit through recitation and good deeds, and attending a Puja for Karmic Creditors presided over by a qualified guru.

How do I know if I have karmic creditors?

Commonly through recurring misfortune and inexplicable obstacles; but the root still returns to confession, good deeds and transforming the mind. If you have symptoms of body or mind, please seek medical care.

Is one time enough? What is the cost?

You may dedicate merit again according to your situation and need; the offering varies by option. You are welcome to enquire and register through our official LINE.

Must I burn spirit money or write a petition to resolve karmic creditors?

Burning spirit money and writing petitions are Taoist and folk practices; our centre follows the Tibetan Dharma, resolving enmity through confession, recitation, the dedication of merit and a puja presided over by a qualified guru, and does not use the burning of spirit money. What matters is sincere confession, letting go of resentment, and dedicating good deeds.

What Are Karmic Creditors, and How Are Enmities Resolved? A Complete Guide