buddhism karma
The beings in the worldly systems are different. There are differences among human beings, and there are differences among animals as well as between humans and animals. These differences are the result of karma. The particular circumstances in which each living being finds himself are the outcomes of the particular set of karma he has accumulated.
Karma is neither fate nor pre-destination. It means ‘action’ or the ‘act of doing something’. At same time, karma is more than action, it is intentional action motivated by will or volition. Because every action creates a chain of reactions or effects, our situation are changed for better or worse as a consequence of our actions. Karma explained why some of us are more fortunate while others are less so despite putting in the same or more efforts.
Particular set of actions will result in similar or appropriate set of effects; this is known as the ‘Law of Karma’. It means wholesome actions will result in wholesome or good outcomes, while unwholesome actions will result in undesirable outcomes.
Specifically, the unwholesome actions to be avoided are related to the ‘three-doors of action’, namely body, voice and mind. Following are the actions to be discouraged:
(1) Body – killing, stealing and sexual misconduct;
(2) Voice – Lying, harsh speech, slander and malicious gossip;
(3) Mind – Greed, anger and delusion;
The general fruit of unwholesome actions is suffering.
The effect of karma may become evident in the short term or over many live times. The subjective and objective conditions under which karma is accumulated, taken together, determine the weight of the karma.
About the Author:
Linus Leong is a Buddhist. He contributes this article to Schools of Buddhism, an online educational resource for Buddhism.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Karma In Buddhism
