Karma
Karma is a fairly well-known, but often confusing, concept.
I always thought that karma was fate, that certain events were destined to happen and free-will wasn't involved. But the more I read, the more I realize that I have a lot to learn.
"I am the owner of my karma .
I inherit my karma.
I am born of my karma.
I am related to my karma.
I live supported by my karma.
Whatever karma I create, whether good or evil, that I shall inherit."
The Buddha, Anguttara Nikaya V.57 - Upajjhatthana Sutta
In simple terms, karma is causality - actions have consequences. Whether we see those consequences immediately, or in the next life, they will come back to bite us or reward us. Intention is a mental action which can also affect karma. As each physical or verbal action is preceded by a thought or intent to act, consistently negative thoughts may cause us to act in consistently negative ways, causing consistently negative karma.
"Do not think a small sin will not return in your future lives.
Just as falling drops of water will fill a large container,
The little sins that steadfast accumulate will completely overwhelm you.
Do not think a small virtue will not return in your future lives.
Just as falling drops of water will fill a large container,
The little virtues that steadfast accumulate will completely overwhelm you."
I have learned recently about 'karmic seeds', which I believe is where I developed the misconception that karma supercedes free-will. Karmic seeds are planted in the mind as a result of our thoughts or intentions. Unkind thoughts plant a small seed; unkind speech or action helps the seed grow. As that seed ripens, it creates a negative karmic influence that can carry through to the next life. Hence, my belief that karma cannot be changed.
Positive thoughts, words, and deeds plant and nurture karmic seeds, as well. What I didn't understand is that these positive seeds can actually destroy negative seeds and reverse the effect. Therefore, I do have control over my karmic future, in this life and the next. I can choose to banish negative thoughts and not speak or act on them; I can choose to nurture positive thoughts and treat all creatures with kindness and respect.
Which leads me to wonder - if it is the thought or intent that determines the nature of the karmic seed, what is the effect if one does a good deed for personal gain?
I always thought that karma was fate, that certain events were destined to happen and free-will wasn't involved. But the more I read, the more I realize that I have a lot to learn.
I inherit my karma.
I am born of my karma.
I am related to my karma.
I live supported by my karma.
Whatever karma I create, whether good or evil, that I shall inherit."
The Buddha, Anguttara Nikaya V.57 - Upajjhatthana Sutta
In simple terms, karma is causality - actions have consequences. Whether we see those consequences immediately, or in the next life, they will come back to bite us or reward us. Intention is a mental action which can also affect karma. As each physical or verbal action is preceded by a thought or intent to act, consistently negative thoughts may cause us to act in consistently negative ways, causing consistently negative karma.
"Do not think a small sin will not return in your future lives.
Just as falling drops of water will fill a large container,
The little sins that steadfast accumulate will completely overwhelm you.
Do not think a small virtue will not return in your future lives.
Just as falling drops of water will fill a large container,
The little virtues that steadfast accumulate will completely overwhelm you."
I have learned recently about 'karmic seeds', which I believe is where I developed the misconception that karma supercedes free-will. Karmic seeds are planted in the mind as a result of our thoughts or intentions. Unkind thoughts plant a small seed; unkind speech or action helps the seed grow. As that seed ripens, it creates a negative karmic influence that can carry through to the next life. Hence, my belief that karma cannot be changed.
Positive thoughts, words, and deeds plant and nurture karmic seeds, as well. What I didn't understand is that these positive seeds can actually destroy negative seeds and reverse the effect. Therefore, I do have control over my karmic future, in this life and the next. I can choose to banish negative thoughts and not speak or act on them; I can choose to nurture positive thoughts and treat all creatures with kindness and respect.
Which leads me to wonder - if it is the thought or intent that determines the nature of the karmic seed, what is the effect if one does a good deed for personal gain?
DJ
posted by DesertJules at
12:55 PM
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