Every Ladder Has a Lesson, Every Snake a Consequence: The Psychology of Karma Through Play

Most of us have played Snakes and Ladders at some point in our lives. It may have been during childhood summer vacations, family gatherings, or rainy afternoons spent indoors. We rolled the dice, climbed ladders with excitement, and groaned in frustration when a snake sent us sliding back down the board. At the time, it seemed like a simple game of luck. Yet few people realize that Snakes and Ladders was originally created in India as much more than a source of entertainment.

Known as Moksha Patam, the game was designed to teach moral and spiritual lessons. The ladders represented virtues such as kindness, generosity, honesty, and humility, helping a person move closer to moksha, or liberation. The snakes symbolized vices such as greed, anger, pride, and deceit, pulling a person away from their goals. In many ways, the game was an interactive lesson on karma, the idea that our actions have consequences.

While modern life may look very different from the world in which the game was created, its message remains surprisingly relevant, especially when it comes to mental health.

Many of us grow up believing that success should be quick and straightforward. We expect that hard work will always lead to immediate rewards and that good decisions will guarantee positive outcomes. But life rarely follows such a predictable path. Sometimes we put in months of effort only to face disappointment. Sometimes we make mistakes that seem to undo our progress. At other times, unexpected opportunities appear, giving us a boost when we least expect it.

This is where Snakes and Ladders mirrors reality. Life is not a straight climb upward. It is a series of advances, setbacks, lessons, and unexpected turns. The problem is that many people view their “snakes” as failures rather than experiences.

A difficult breakup, losing a job, failing an exam, or struggling with anxiety can feel like sliding down a giant snake. These moments often trigger self-doubt, shame, and frustration. We may ask ourselves, “Why is this happening to me?” or “Have I ruined everything?” Yet psychological research consistently shows that growth often comes from adversity. Resilience is not built when everything goes according to plan. It develops when people learn to adapt, recover, and keep moving despite setbacks.

Similarly, the ladders in life are not always grand achievements. Sometimes they are small acts of self-care. Choosing to attend therapy, setting a healthy boundary, asking for help, getting enough sleep, or taking a break when overwhelmed may seem insignificant. Yet these decisions often create positive changes that accumulate over time. Much like the ladders on the board, small healthy choices can move us forward in ways we do not immediately recognize.

The game’s connection to karma is also worth exploring from a psychological perspective. Karma is often misunderstood as a cosmic reward-and-punishment system. However, it can also be viewed through the lens of habits and consequences. Our thoughts, behaviors, and decisions create patterns that influence our mental well-being.

For example, constantly comparing ourselves to others may increase feelings of inadequacy. Avoiding difficult emotions may provide temporary relief but can worsen stress over time. On the other hand, practicing gratitude, nurturing supportive relationships, and engaging in meaningful activities can strengthen emotional resilience. In this sense, our daily actions shape our psychological reality.

Perhaps the most comforting lesson from Snakes and Ladders is that no setback is permanent. A snake may push you backward, but it never removes you from the game. There is always another roll of the dice, another opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward.

Mental health journeys often work the same way. Healing is rarely linear. There are good days and difficult days. There are moments of progress and moments when old struggles resurface. But slipping backward does not mean failure. It means being human.

The next time you think about Snakes and Ladders, remember that it was never just a game. It was a reminder that life is shaped by choices, consequences, growth, and resilience. Every ladder teaches us the value of positive action. Every snake reminds us that setbacks are part of the journey. And perhaps the greatest lesson of all is that as long as we keep playing, we always have a chance to move forward.

Written By : R. Sagarikaa, Editorial Head