what is karma?

Question

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Answer 1

Karma means action, means "to do". Immediately we have an indication that the real meaning of karma is not fate because karma is action. It is dynamic. But it is more than simply action because it is not mechanical action. It is not unconscious or involuntary action. It is intentional, conscious, deliberate, willful action. How is it that this intentional, will action conditions or determines our situation? It is because every action must have a reaction, an effect. This truth has been expressed in regard to the physical universe by the great physicist Newton who formulated the law which states that every action must have an equal and opposite reaction.

The Buddha Himself answered the question. He has explained that so long as an unwholesome action does not bear its fruit of suffering, for so long a foolish person will consider that action good. But when that unwholesome action bears its fruit of suffering then he will realize that the action is unwholesome. Similarly, so long as a wholesome action does not bear its fruit of happiness, a good person may consider that action unwholesome. When it bears its fruit of happiness, then he will realize that the action is good. So one needs to judge wholesome and unwholesome action from the point of view of long-term effect. Very simply, wholesome actions result in eventual happiness for oneself and others, while unwholesome actions have the opposite result, they result in suffering for oneself and others.

http://www.buddhanet.net/

Answer 2

Karma is not retribution!

Karma is honing the wheel of evolvement, so to speak. Say, you make a mistake and harm someone. If you do not learn from that mistake, then life or you or whomever charts fate will make sure you gain an understanding from the fault. Karma is the abstract mechanism that guides are learning process in our aims towards perfection.

Karma aids us in our journey so we do not miss a mark. It is not punishment, it helps us understand.

Answer 3

Karma is habit. Doing "bad" things, like theft or lying, becomes easier the more you do it. Before long, you are caught in a lie, or for stealing. Doing "good" things, like being kind and generous, becomes easier the more you do it as well. No one will fault you for being kind and generous, though!

Answer 4

Cause and effect. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Whatever you sow you must reap.

Answer 5

In Hinduism and Buddhism, what we do or not do( as well as our attitudes) has repercussions in this life and in future lives.Karma turns the Wheel of Samsara.

Answer 6

Usually it is believed to be a sum of all that an individual has done, is currently doing and will do

Answer 7

Agenda of the soul.

Answer 8

it is the good energy or bad energy you give out and if u give out good good will come back and vice versa

Answer 9

what goes around comes around. so what you send out, expect it back on you tenfold.