Karma

Definition

Karma is a fundamental concept in Hinduism and Buddhism that refers to the principle of cause and effect, where an individual's actions directly influence their future experiences. This idea promotes moral responsibility, suggesting that good deeds lead to positive outcomes, while negative actions result in adverse consequences. Karma is not just limited to this life but extends across multiple lifetimes, impacting the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth known as samsara.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Karma operates on the belief that every action has a corresponding reaction, which can manifest in this life or future lives.
2. In Hinduism, the concept of karma is closely tied to dharma, as fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities positively influences one's karma.
3. Buddhism views karma not just as a moral law but also as a means of personal growth and enlightenment through the understanding of one's actions.
4. Karma can be classified into three types: Sanchita (accumulated), Prarabdha (that which is currently being experienced), and Agami (future karma based on current actions).
5. The understanding of karma encourages individuals to act ethically and compassionately, fostering a sense of accountability for one's choices.

Review Questions

• How does the principle of karma relate to the concepts of samsara and dharma in Hinduism?
  • Karma is intertwined with both samsara and dharma in Hinduism. While karma refers to the consequences of one's actions, samsara represents the ongoing cycle of birth and rebirth influenced by those actions. Dharma relates to the ethical duties and responsibilities that guide individuals in making choices that generate good karma. Thus, fulfilling one’s dharma positively impacts karma, influencing future experiences in the cycle of samsara.
• Analyze the differences in how Buddhism and Hinduism interpret the role of karma within their respective belief systems.
  • In Hinduism, karma is viewed within a broader framework that includes concepts like dharma and moksha, where good karma can lead to better rebirths or ultimate liberation from samsara. In contrast, Buddhism emphasizes the transformative potential of understanding karma as a tool for personal growth toward enlightenment. Buddhists see karma as a way to cultivate mindfulness in actions to break free from suffering rather than simply accruing merit for future lives.
• Evaluate how the understanding of karma can influence ethical behavior in contemporary society across different cultures.
  • The understanding of karma can significantly influence ethical behavior by promoting accountability for one's actions. In cultures that embrace these principles, people may be more inclined to act ethically, knowing that their deeds will shape their future experiences. This notion fosters compassion and responsibility towards others, encouraging individuals to consider the long-term effects of their behavior. Consequently, as societies adopt these principles from Hinduism and Buddhism, they may cultivate environments that prioritize social harmony and moral integrity.

Related terms

Samsara:

The continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth in Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, which karma influences based on one's actions.

Dharma:

The moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides one's life and actions in Hinduism and Buddhism, often connected to karma.

Moksha: The liberation from the cycle of samsara and union with the divine, achieved through good karma and spiritual practice.