In this world the jīva (soul) performs karma (activities) and as a result of these activities saṁskāras (impressions) develop. Then, on the basis of his saṁskāras, the jīva develops desires. What kind of desires? “I will get married.” Or, “This person is my enemy. I will destroy him.” These impressions are carried with us from birth to birth, life after life. Be very careful. Don’t see anyone as your enemy. Why? If the mood comes that someone is your enemy, this is the fruit of your previous activities. We should therefore not bear any malice towards anyone or disrespect anyone.
Thus, on the basis of his karma, the living entity develops various impressions and desires as he moves through the material world in the endless chain of birth and death. This is called the karma- cakra. How can the living entity come out from this karma-cakra? He will have to take shelter of a pure guru who is very expert in all the śāstra, who is tattva-vit (in knowledge of all the established philosophical truths), and rasika (relishes the art of relationships).
Srila Gurudeva, March 09, 2004 Mathurā