Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Notes on Karma

 
The word karma literally means 'action'. It's Pali equivalent is kamma.

Karma can be wholesome, non-wholesome, or neutral.

Karma, is committed by thought, by word, or by deed.

Karma does not necessarily mean past action. It may be present or past action.

It is not fate. Nor is it predestination which is imposed on us by some mysterious or unknown power to which we must helplessly submit ourselves.

It is one's own doing which reacts on one's self.

It is possible to divert the course of one's karma.

As we sow, we reap, either in this life or a future birth.

What we reap today is what we have sown either in the past or in the present.

Karma is a law in itself. It does not follow that there should be a lawgiver, just as gravity or the speed of light are laws onto themselves without a lawgiver.

Karma operates in its own field without the intervention of an external, independent agency.

The Buddha taught we are the heirs of our karma.

The Buddha declared karma is intention.

If, while walking, I unknowingly step on an insect there is not karmic result. If, while walking, I purposely step on an insect I will reap the fruits of that action, that volitional action.

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