KARMA

oThis literally means ‘deed’ or ‘action’

with its corresponding reaction or result
oKarma is regarded by Buddhists as a law
that is natural, causal and moral
 BUDDHISM AND KARMA
o The Buddha inherited the basis of karma
from Hinduism, but reinterpreted it.
o Whatever we do is like a seed sown which
inevitably brings results to fruition.
o We are punished or rewarded by our sins or
good deeds.
o Karma is impersonal – there is no God who
apportions blame.
 BUDDHISM AND KARMA
o The law of karma is like a scientific law; it
merely explains how things happen.
o It does not indicate the existence of a law –
giver.
o There is no one who rewards and punishes us.
o Because of the law of karma, we have the
ability to change ourselves through our own
actions.
 BUDDHISM AND KARMA
o Because of the Buddhist teaching on ‘conditioned co-
production’ (Paticcasamuppada) not everything that
happens to us is the result of karma but rather that
everything that exists is subject to change dependent on
conditions.
o The law of karma does not attempt to explain all cause and
effect processes to which we are all subject.
o The law of karma is the application of the law of
conditionality to the process of life and death (remember
the 12 Nidanas?).
o However, we must remember, it only applies to
DELIBERATE ACTION.
 BUDDHISM AND KARMA
o The Buddha said it is the action or intention which
is karma i.e. the thoughts that govern the value of
our deeds and thus cause good or bad karma.
o Karma or merit involves belief in a universe in
which matter can be ruled by mind i.e. the more
good you think you do, the more good will come
to you and the world.
o Some see karma as fate, but we are not held by the
dead weight of the past, but are free to build up
merit and choose good.
 BUDDHISM AND KARMA
o There are three basic reasons why a Buddhist may
try to be good:-
i. Because it pays – it is selfish and a denial of anatta
to earn bad karma and Buddhist’s should be
selfless
ii. A concern for all is good morality
iii. Virtue is its own reward and with this philosophy
a Buddhist would not be concerned about
attaining good karma or giving it away
 SUMMARY OF BUDDHIST KARMA
o Karma is implicit in all Buddhist ethics
o The precepts are an expression of Buddhist ethics
and are, therefore, linked to karma
o There is a recognition of personal responsibility and
that our actions have consequences
o Positive or skilful actions have positive
consequences in the world and for oneself
o Negative or unskilful actions have negative
consequences