Karma is a crucial concept present in Buddhism. Today, it’s a word people, especially Westerners, use without understanding its true meaning. This guide focuses on explaining karma and its specifics in the Buddhist tradition. It will describe the word’s etymology but also the connection to rebirth and other concepts in this religion.
What Is Karma?
The term “karma” originates from Sanskrit. You could translate it as “doing” or “action.” As for Buddhism, karma describes action motivated by a certain intention. That action isn’t necessarily a physical deed. It’s also something you “do” with your mind or speech. Your intention will have a specific moral character. It could be neutral, bad, or good and depends on the psychological impulse behind the deed. The action initiates a chain of causes, which ultimately generates karmic fruit.
What Is Karmic Fruit or Karmaphala?
Each action has consequences, and Buddhism seems to accept that. The deed you perform is “karma,” while the consequence is “karmaphala.” The loose translation could be the fruit of action, which is why many people mention this concept as karmic fruit. Your action can have different consequences. However, karmaphala focuses on those consequences that come from the intention that motivated the action.
Going Beyond the Physical Consequences
The crucial change implemented by Buddha’s definition of karma was moving from the physical action to psychological processes. That was an important modification since the previous ethics were somewhat caste-bound. Buddha proposed a definition that refers to all people equally, without the differences for particular castes. The idea was that you don’t become an outcast or Brahmin by birth. Instead, it’s your deeds that decide the position.
The Law of Karma
Karma is an action that has various consequences, and most people notice the physical ones first. But that’s a wrong approach because the Buddhist philosophy focuses on moral consequences. That can include pleasure and pain caused by the deed. It could also analyse whether the act was a good or bad experience for the one who performed it.
According to the law of karma, everyone should strive for good moral actions. Those will lead to an improvement in the next rebirth. Buddhism acknowledges that karma isn’t a rigid process but depends on various factors. Apart from the action, it’s necessary to consider the circumstances for the deed, as well as the person’s nature.
Can Karma Lead to Nirvana?
Buddhism implements samsara, which is a “round of existence.” It’s the cycle of rebirths that everyone goes through. The ultimate goal for someone who accepts Buddhist beliefs is to liberate themselves from samsara. Nirvana represents that liberation and, therefore, the ultimate freedom, quietude, and happiness. Buddhist philosophers mention that one needs to get rid of delusion (Moha), anger (Dwesha), and desire and greed (Raga) to achieve Nirvana. So, how karma fits this idea? Good karma helps to achieve a better rebirth in the next cycle. However, it’s not karma by itself that brings liberation from Samsara.
Is Karma the Same As Fate?
This is a common misconception of what karma means, and it’s often present among Westerners. Karma isn’t fate or destiny but a natural process. The experience you have tomorrow might come as a result of today’s actions. However, you choose how to act in those new situations. Buddhism argues that you always have the freedom of action, regardless of the circumstances. Just behaviour can generate good karmic fruit and lead to better circumstances in the future, or at least an improvement in the next rebirth cycle.
Can You Control Karma?
Yes, every person could control their karma with their actions, speeches, and, what’s more important for Buddhism, thoughts. If you are going through a jealous time, it can result in an unhappy day or event. But if you choose to think joyfully and selflessly, you might find your experiences more fulfilling.
Each new moment gives you a chance for good karma. By improving the way you think and act, you can improve your circumstances. If you strive to deal with negative impulses and thoughts, you will weaken them gradually. Meditation can be a way of promoting peace of mind and steering clear of negative thoughts. It takes effort and devotion, but you’ll notice how those negatives will go away naturally.