Karma

Definition

Karma is a fundamental concept in several religions, primarily in Hinduism and Buddhism, that refers to the principle of cause and effect where an individual's actions directly influence their future circumstances. It embodies the idea that good actions lead to positive outcomes while bad actions result in negative consequences, shaping one's present and future life experiences, including the cycle of rebirth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Hinduism, karma is tied to the belief in dharma, where fulfilling one's duty can lead to good karma.
2. Buddhism emphasizes that karma is not just about actions but also includes intentions behind those actions.
3. Karma operates across multiple lifetimes, meaning that the consequences of actions can be experienced in future incarnations.
4. Different schools of thought within both Hinduism and Buddhism interpret karma in various ways, impacting practices and beliefs.
5. Karma is often summed up by the phrase 'what goes around comes around,' reflecting the cyclical nature of moral causation.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of karma influence ethical decision-making in both Hinduism and Buddhism?
  • In both Hinduism and Buddhism, karma plays a crucial role in guiding individuals' ethical decisions. By understanding that every action has consequences, followers are encouraged to act with good intentions and moral integrity to accumulate positive karma. This creates a strong moral framework where actions are weighed not just for immediate results but for their long-term effects on oneself and others.
• Compare and contrast the role of karma in Hinduism with its role in Buddhism regarding personal responsibility and spiritual growth.
  • In Hinduism, karma is deeply intertwined with the concept of dharma, suggesting that fulfilling one's duties leads to good karma and spiritual growth over lifetimes. Conversely, Buddhism focuses more on intention behind actions rather than just the actions themselves, emphasizing personal responsibility for one's thoughts and deeds. This difference highlights how each religion perceives personal accountability and its impact on spiritual evolution.
• Evaluate how the understanding of karma can shape interfaith dialogues between Christianity and Eastern religions concerning concepts of justice and morality.
  • The understanding of karma offers a rich perspective for interfaith dialogues, particularly between Christianity and Eastern religions. Karma's emphasis on moral causation resonates with Christian teachings about sowing and reaping; however, it contrasts with the Christian view of grace and forgiveness. By exploring these similarities and differences, discussions can deepen mutual understanding of justice and morality, fostering respect for diverse beliefs while addressing shared values regarding ethical behavior.

Related terms

Reincarnation: The belief that after death, the soul is reborn into a new body, and one's karma from previous lives influences their new existence.

Dharma: The moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides one's life and duties, influencing one's karma.

Nirvana: A state of liberation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara), which can be achieved by overcoming karma through righteous living.