What is the spiritual perspective on adopting a child of unknown parents and hence unknown karma?

Answer Podcast

What Is the Spiritual Perspective on Adopting a Child of Unknown Parents—and Hence, Unknown Karma?

Let’s explore this from three perspectives: philosophical, traditional, and contemporary.

1. Philosophical Perspective

From the standpoint of karma and reincarnation, we understand that the situations we face in life—including whom we meet or care for—are shaped by our past actions. However, our current actions also shape our future karma. When we help others selflessly, we create good karma; and when we help others spiritually, we generate divine karma—actions that liberate us from material bondage.

So, adopting a child—especially one without parents—is an act of compassion and responsibility. If we provide a loving home and spiritual guidance to such a child, we are not only doing material good but also spiritual good. Given that spiritually inclined people in the world are relatively few, bringing a child into a spiritually nurturing environment can significantly elevate that soul’s spiritual trajectory.

Thus, from a karma and dharma perspective, such adoption creates both pious and spiritually uplifting credits.

2. Traditional Perspective

Traditionally, particularly within the broader Hindu framework, society was organized through the varna-ashrama system. Over time, this stratification hardened into the caste system. One positive intent of this structure was to preserve like-mindedness by promoting cultural and behavioral alignment—making it easier for people to live and work together harmoniously.

In such a context, adoptions were usually within the same varna or family lineage. For instance:

• King Dasharatha gave his daughter Shanta in adoption to King Romapada.
• Kunti herself was an adopted daughter.

These were often royal or noble adoptions, and they typically occurred between known families to maintain cultural continuity or dynastic lineage.

However, society today is far more diverse. Even among people from the same community or caste, cultural values can vary widely. So the traditional logic of adoption based on known “stock” or lineage may not hold the same relevance anymore.

3. Contemporary Perspective

In today’s world, adoption is widely regarded—across religious and cultural lines—as an act of great virtue. For instance:

• Many Christian families, both in the West and in India, adopt children, often with deep compassion and a sense of service.
• In Buddhist cultures, particularly in Taiwan, Tibet, and parts of Southeast Asia, adoption is encouraged as a meritorious act, aligned with the principle of relieving suffering.

From a Bhakti perspective, our tradition is not one of rigid prescriptions. Bhakti teaches us core principles—such as cultivating devotion, avoiding harmful behaviors, and showing compassion—but it also gives us the freedom to make thoughtful, responsible choices based on our personal situations.

So if a devotee is considering adopting a child of unknown parentage, they are not taking on the child’s karma in a deterministic or dangerous way. After all, even with biological children, we don’t know their karma. And even if we did, could we control it? Not really. We simply do our best as parents, knowing that the child we receive—biological or adopted—is ultimately sent by Krishna.

We also see how society has evolved:

• Just as arranged marriages have evolved into love marriages or hybrid approaches,
• So too adoption can move beyond traditional boundaries.

If someone comes from a background where lineage or family history is highly emphasized, and that feels important to them, they may choose to adopt from a known source. But if that’s not a significant concern—and it’s only introduced as an anxiety by hearing others’ opinions—then it need not become a deciding factor.

Final Thoughts

Adoption is a serious responsibility. If we do it with hesitation, doubt, or inner conflict, that negativity may affect the child’s emotional and spiritual upbringing.

So it’s best to:

• Understand the philosophy of karma and compassion,
• Recognize the tradition and how it has evolved,
• Acknowledge the present reality, and
• Pray sincerely for Krishna’s guidance.

Then, from a centered and prayerful space, follow your heart.

Thank you.