Buddhism and Karma
Introduction to the Buddhist Understanding of Karma
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- Origins and Developments
- Figures and Texts
- Becoming A Buddhist
- Tibetan and Vajrayana Buddhism
- B.J., Journalism, University of Missouri
Karma is a word everyone knows, yet few in the West understand what it means. Westerners too often think it means "fate" or is some kind of cosmic justice system. This is not a Buddhist understanding of karma, however.
Karma is a Sanskrit word that means "action." Sometimes you might see the Pali spelling, kamma , which means the same thing. In Buddhism, karma has a more specific meaning, which is volitional or willful action. Things we choose to do or say or think set karma into motion. The law of karma is therefore a law of cause and effect as defined in Buddhism .
Sometimes Westerners use the word karma to mean the result of karma. For example, someone might say John lost his job because "that's his karma." However, as Buddhists use the word, karma is the action, not the result. The effects of karma are spoken of as the "fruits" or the "result" of karma.
Teachings on the laws of karma originated in Hinduism, but Buddhists understand karma somewhat differently from Hindus. The historical Buddha lived 26 centuries ago in what are now Nepal and India, and on his quest for enlightenment he sought out Hindu teachers. However, the Buddha took what he learned from his teachers in some very new and different directions.
The Liberating Potential of Karma
Theravada Buddhist teacher Thanissaro Bhikkhu explains some of these differences in this illuminating essay on karma . In the Buddha's day, most religions of India taught that karma operated in a simple straight line- past actions influence the present; present actions influence the future. But to Buddhists, karma is non-linear and complex. Karma, the Ven. Thanissaro Bhikku says, "acts in multiple feedback loops, with the present moment being shaped both by past and by present actions; present actions shape not only the future but also the present."
Thus, in Buddhism, although the past has some influence on the present, the present also is shaped by the actions of the present. Walpola Rahula explained in What the Buddha Taught (Grove Press, 1959, 1974) why this is significant:
"...instead of promoting resigned powerlessness, the early Buddhist notion of karma focused on the liberating potential of what the mind is doing with every moment. Who you are — what you come from — is not anywhere near as important as the mind's motives for what it is doing right now. Even though the past may account for many of the inequalities we see in life, our measure as human beings is not the hand we've been dealt, for that hand can change at any moment. We take our own measure by how well we play the hand we've got."
What You Do Is What Happens to You
When we seem stuck in old, destructive patterns, it may not be the karma of the past that's causing us to be stuck. If we're stuck, it's more likely that we're re-creating the same old patterns with our present thoughts and attitudes. To change our karma and change our lives, we have to change our minds. Zen teacher John Daido Loori said, "Cause and effect are one thing. And what is that one thing? You. That’s why what you do and what happens to you are the same thing."
Certainly, the karma of the past impacts your present life, but change is always possible.
No Judge, No Justice
Buddhism also teaches that there are other forces besides karma that shape our lives. These include natural forces such as the changing seasons and gravity. When a natural disaster such as an earthquake strikes a community, this is not some kind of collective karmic punishment. It's an unfortunate event that requires a compassionate response, not judgment.
Some people have a hard time understanding karma is created by our own actions. Perhaps because they are raised with other religious models, they want to believe there is some kind of mysterious cosmic force directing karma, rewarding good people and punishing bad people. This is not the position of Buddhism. Buddhist scholar Walpola Rahula said,
"The theory of karma should not be confused with so-called 'moral justice' or 'reward and punishment'. The idea of moral justice, or reward and punishment, arises out of the conception of a supreme being, a God, who sits in judgment, who is a law-giver and who decides what is right and wrong. The term 'justice' is ambiguous and dangerous, and in its name more harm than good is done to humanity. The theory of karma is the theory of cause and effect, of action and reaction; it is a natural law, which has nothing to do with the idea of justice or reward and punishment."
The Good, the Bad and the Karma
Sometimes people talk about "good" and "bad" (or "evil") karma. Buddhist understanding of "good" and "evil" is somewhat different from the way Westerners usually understand these terms. To see the Buddhist perspective, it's useful to substitute the words "wholesome" and "unwholesome" for "good" and "evil." Wholesome actions spring from selfless compassion, loving-kindness and wisdom. Unwholesome actions spring from greed, hate, and ignorance. Some teachers use similar terms, such as "helpful and unhelpful," to convey this idea.
- Karma and Rebirth
The way most people understand reincarnation is that a soul, or some autonomous essence of self, survives death and is reborn into a new body. In that case, it's easy to imagine the karma of a past life sticking to that self and being carried over to a new life. This is largely the position of Hindu philosophy, where it is believed that a discrete soul is reborn again and again. But Buddhist teachings are very different.
The Buddha taught a doctrine called anatman , or anatta — no soul, or no self. According to this doctrine, there is no "self" in the sense of a permanent, integral, autonomous being within an individual existence. What we think of as our self, our personality and ego, are temporary creations that do not survive death.
In light of this doctrine — what is it that is reborn? And where does karma fit in?
When asked this question, the renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, borrowing concepts from modern psychological theory, said that what gets reborn is our neurosis — meaning that it is our karmic bad habits and ignorance that gets reborn — until such time as we awaken fully. The question is a complex one for Buddhists, and not one for which there is a single answer. Certainly, there are Buddhists that believe in literal rebirth from one life to the next, but there are also others who adopt a modern interpretation, suggesting that rebirth refers to the repetitious cycle of bad habits we may follow if we have an insufficient understanding of our true natures.
Whatever interpretation is offered, though, Buddhists are united in the belief that our actions affect both current and future conditions, and that escape from the karmic cycle of dissatisfaction and suffering is possible.
- Buddhism and Evil
- Rebirth and Reincarnation in Buddhism
- Bardo Thodol: The Tibetan Book of the Dead
- Buddhism: 11 Common Misunderstandings and Mistakes
- What Do Buddhists Mean by 'Enlightenment'?
- An Examination of Free Will and Buddhism
- The Five Niyamas
- The Four Seals of the Dharma
- Buddhism and Morality
- Buddhist Perspectives on the Abortion Debate
- The Second Precept of Buddhism: Not Stealing
- Buddhist Teachings on the Self
- The Search for Original Buddhism
- What Does "Samsara" Mean in Buddhism?
- What Does Buddha Dharma Mean?
Essay on Karma
Students are often asked to write an essay on Karma in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.
Let’s take a look…
100 Words Essay on Karma
Understanding karma.
Karma is a concept originating from ancient India. It’s about the law of cause and effect. Simply put, it means that what you do will eventually come back to you.
Karma in Daily Life
In daily life, karma can be seen in how our actions affect our lives. If we help others, good things tend to happen to us. If we hurt others, we may face negative consequences.
The Importance of Karma
Understanding karma teaches us to be responsible for our actions. It encourages us to act positively, leading to a better life and a better world.
250 Words Essay on Karma
Karma, a concept deeply rooted in various Eastern philosophies, is commonly understood as the principle of cause and effect. It suggests that our actions, whether good or bad, inevitably return to us in some form, creating a cycle of action and consequence.
The Mechanics of Karma
At its core, karma is not about punishment or reward, but about learning and growth. It provides a framework for understanding how our actions impact the world around us and ourselves. Every action we take generates energy that affects our future experiences. This energy, whether positive or negative, ultimately returns to us, influencing our lives in ways that reflect our past actions.
Karma and Personal Growth
The concept of karma encourages self-awareness and introspection. It prompts us to critically evaluate our actions and their potential consequences before we act. By doing so, we can strive to make choices that generate positive karma, fostering personal growth and contributing to collective well-being.
Karma in the Modern World
In the contemporary context, karma serves as a moral compass, guiding individuals towards ethical actions. It underscores the interconnectedness of all beings, urging us to act responsibly and compassionately. The belief that our actions will return to us may deter harmful behaviors and promote acts of kindness and generosity.
In conclusion, karma is a profound philosophical construct that encourages mindfulness, responsibility, and personal growth. It is a reminder that we are not isolated entities but integral parts of a complex web of life, where our actions reverberate beyond our immediate surroundings.
500 Words Essay on Karma
Karma, a concept rooted in various Eastern religions, is often understood as a cosmic principle of cause and effect. It’s an intricate system where actions and intentions are believed to influence the future, either in this life or a subsequent one. The essence of karma is that every action has consequences, and these consequences are not merely inflicted by an external force but are a direct result of the actions themselves.
Karma in Different Religions
In Hinduism, karma is a fundamental doctrine, closely linked with the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The law of karma dictates that every action, thought, or decision one makes in their life will somehow influence their future lives.
Buddhism, on the other hand, interprets karma not as a system of punishment or reward but as a means to understand the nature of reality. It emphasizes the role of intention behind actions and how it shapes our experiences.
In Jainism, karma is seen as a physical substance that clings to the soul, affecting its ability to reach liberation. The type and intensity of karma depend on the nature of the actions performed.
The Philosophical Implications of Karma
The concept of karma has profound philosophical implications. It introduces a moral dimension to the universe, suggesting that ethical conduct is not only a social necessity but also a cosmic one. It’s seen as a self-regulating system that maintains moral equilibrium, providing a sense of justice and fairness.
Moreover, karma encourages responsibility for one’s actions. It proposes that we are the architects of our destiny, shaping our future through our actions and intentions. This perspective empowers individuals to take charge of their lives and make ethical decisions.
Karma and Modern Perspectives
In the modern world, karma is often misinterpreted as a form of divine retribution. However, its true essence is far from this simplified understanding. Karma is not about punishment or reward; it’s about understanding the interconnectedness of all things and the consequences of our actions.
The concept of karma has also found resonance in scientific fields. In psychology, the idea that our actions and intentions can shape our future aligns with the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy. In physics, the law of action and reaction bears a striking resemblance to the law of karma.
Karma, in its essence, is a philosophical tool for understanding the world and our place in it. It’s a reminder of our responsibility towards our actions and their consequences. Misunderstood as a system of punishment and reward, the true essence of karma lies in its portrayal of the intricate web of cause and effect that governs the universe. Whether viewed through a religious, philosophical, or scientific lens, the concept of karma offers profound insights into the nature of life and the universe.
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Home — Essay Samples — Religion — Karma — The Role Of Karma In The Mind And Actions
The Role of Karma in The Mind and Actions
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Philosophy of Karma: Why or Why Not. One of my most fundamental beliefs is the Buddhist theory of Karma. I believe that your actions affect your fate in your future existence. What you do and how you treat others determines your destiny. There is a moral cause and affect relationship between your past actions and the quality of your future.
Do you believe in karma? This question probes the depths of a concept that has traversed cultural and philosophical boundaries for centuries. Karma, a core belief in many Eastern religions and philosophies, suggests that one's actions in this life influence their future experiences.
Karma is a word everyone knows, yet few in the West understand what it means. Westerners too often think it means "fate" or is some kind of cosmic justice system. This is not a Buddhist understanding of karma, however. Karma is a Sanskrit word that means "action." Sometimes you might see the Pali spelling, kamma, which means the same thing.
The belief in karma offers us a framework for ethical behavior, mindfulness, and personal growth. It reminds us that our choices matter and that we have the power to create our own happiness and fulfillment. I believe in karma, and I am committed to living a life guided by its principles. This essay was reviewed by.
karma, in Indian religion and philosophy, the universal causal law by which good or bad actions determine the future modes of an individual's existence.Karma represents the ethical dimension of the process of rebirth (), belief in which is generally shared among the religious traditions of India.Indian soteriologies (theories of salvation) posit that future births and life situations will be ...
In samples of Canadian students and non-student adults and Indian adults (White, 2017b), many people who believe in karma were willing to endorse agentic descriptions of karma (e.g., "karma can remember things," "karma is forgiving"), although other participants rejected these agentic descriptions. Similarly-agentic descriptions of god ...
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But is Karma really just the law of cause and effect. People feel they know what Karma is, yet many need Karma explained in more detail. The simple definition of Karma in Sandscript means action, work, or deed. However, the term also refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect. And it says that for every action, there is an equal but ...
500 Words Essay on Karma Understanding Karma. Karma, a concept rooted in various Eastern religions, is often understood as a cosmic principle of cause and effect. It's an intricate system where actions and intentions are believed to influence the future, either in this life or a subsequent one. The essence of karma is that every action has ...
Karma, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "action" or "deed," is a fundamental principle in Eastern philosophical and religious traditions, particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. At its core, karma is the belief that every action, whether positive or negative, has corresponding consequences. This cosmic law of cause and effect ...
In Hinduism, karma is often viewed as a cosmic law that governs the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text in Hinduism, emphasizes the importance of performing one's duty without attachment to the results, as these actions will inevitably lead to karmic consequences. Similarly, in Buddhism, the law of karma is ...
1422 Words. 6 Pages. Open Document. Karma Essay: Sikhism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Have you ever heard someone say "what goes around comes around?". Many religions believe in Karma. Karma means a deed or an act. The three major religions that believe in Karma are Sikhism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. These three religions share somewhat the same ...
To understand karma first it needs to be defined. Karma can be described as a form of cause and effect. The dictionary defines karma as sum of person's actions in one of his successive states of existence, viewed as deciding his fate for the next. In Sanskrit karma is defined as volitional action that is undertaken deliberately or knowingly.
In this reflective essay, a student explores the idea of karma and discusses whether it exists. The student uses personal examples about her family and herself to show good and bad karma in action. ... but you do have some problems with run-on sentences and sentence fragments. Thus, a final edit is recommended to focus on these two items in ...
Photo by Holger Link on Unsplash. Let's take the probabilistic approach and make this mathematically rigorous. A random person may believe in Karma (K) or may not believe in Karma (NK).Also, a random person may act in a good way (G) or may act in a bad way (NG).Since a person either believes in Karma or does not believe in Karma, the probabilities of the events K and NK add up to 1.
People can make stuff up about you. And it will come back later in life and make […] I believe in Karma. What goes around comes around. People can make stuff up about you. And it will come back later in life and make you sad or miserable. Like an old saying that people say today: sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.
Karma is a Sanskrit word that means "action" or "doing". O' Brien stated that in Buddhism, karma has a more specific meaning, which is volitional or willful action. These are the fruits of your gone by actions or decisions in life. It may also predict what will happen to you in your after life. Doing wholesome gestures may result to ...
When we die or born, we can't take anything with us, one thing that goes with us is our karma. Do you know, what is karma? Karma literally means our action. It is based on the Newton's Law, i.e. every action must have a reaction. Whatever we do, we will get same in return. May be this return will take time but you will get for sure.
1 page / 671 words. I believe in karma—a simple yet profound phrase that encapsulates the idea of cosmic justice and balance. This essay delves into the concept of karma, its philosophical origins, its role in various belief systems, and its implications for our understanding of the world.
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Get original essay. Karma plays a major role in the mind and actions. Dr Sandvig stated in his lecture that, "you can have mental karma by just thinking about it, not just what you are but also your thoughts". What this means is that if someone either thinks or speaks with an evil thought that the pain that's about to occur will follow them.