Aatma is not created. It IS ALWAYS THERE. As per Advaita, there is only one Aatma – Paramaatma. Jeevaatamas, when remove their ignorance, realize that they are one and the same. As Visishtaadvaita, Jeevatma is losing its identity and becomes just an instrument in His hands. As instrument, though it may have separate nama, swaroop, it is controlled as per His wish. The instrument, on its own, does not have any wishes to satisfy itself.
No saintly books clearly tell about the first karma. However, the physical body is decided by His Officers based on the Paapaa, Punya and deep desires and hatreds of a Jeevatma. All karmas are accumulated as Sanchita Karma. Out of Sanchita Karma, a particular portion (which is called Praaratpta Karma) is set aside for experiencing in a given birth. During the life time of that Janma, more karmas are accumulated as a vicious circle. To break this, the account of paaapa and punya should get tallied, but not as per accounting principle. For every papa, punishment is given at mental, oral or physical level; For every punya, reward is given at mental, oral or physical level. Paapa or Punya does not cancel each other. This is my understanding at the age of 60 after study of various religious books, speeches, personal experiences etc.
In Kaliyuga, Naama Japam is believed to relieve us from this vicious circle and help us attain liberation.
