Every action is karma- whether it is done in this life or past life. Some actions yield fruit instantly, example being eating relieves hunger. Some actions take time to yield fruit, for example, a mango seed planted today bears fruit several years later. There are karmas which yield fruit in subsequent life. But one thing is certain- irrespective of when the action is performed, its fruit needs to be experienced subsequently.

(Bhaktimala Nov 1997)