definition of karma essay

Buddhism and Karma

Introduction to the Buddhist Understanding of Karma

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Karma is a word everyone knows, yet few in the West understand what it means. Westerners too often think it means "fate" or is some kind of cosmic justice system. This is not a Buddhist understanding of karma, however.

Karma is a Sanskrit word that means "action." Sometimes you might see the Pali spelling, kamma , which means the same thing. In Buddhism, karma has a more specific meaning, which is volitional or willful action. Things we choose to do or say or think set karma into motion. The law of karma is therefore a law of cause and effect as defined in Buddhism . 

Sometimes Westerners use the word karma to mean the result of karma. For example, someone might say John lost his job because "that's his karma." However, as Buddhists use the word, karma is the action, not the result. The effects of karma are spoken of as the "fruits" or the "result" of karma.

Teachings on the laws of karma originated in Hinduism, but Buddhists understand karma somewhat differently from Hindus.  The historical Buddha lived 26 centuries ago in what are now Nepal and India, and on his quest for enlightenment he sought out Hindu teachers. However, the Buddha took what he learned from his teachers in some very new and different directions.

The Liberating Potential of Karma

Theravada Buddhist teacher Thanissaro Bhikkhu explains some of these differences in this illuminating essay on karma . In the Buddha's day, most religions of India taught that karma operated in a simple straight line- past actions influence the present; present actions influence the future. But to Buddhists, karma is non-linear and complex. Karma, the Ven. Thanissaro Bhikku says, "acts in multiple feedback loops, with the present moment being shaped both by past and by present actions; present actions shape not only the future but also the present."

Thus, in Buddhism, although the past has some influence on the present, the present also is shaped by the actions of the present. Walpola Rahula explained in What the Buddha Taught (Grove Press, 1959, 1974) why this is significant:

"...instead of promoting resigned powerlessness, the early Buddhist notion of karma focused on the liberating potential of what the mind is doing with every moment. Who you are — what you come from — is not anywhere near as important as the mind's motives for what it is doing right now. Even though the past may account for many of the inequalities we see in life, our measure as human beings is not the hand we've been dealt, for that hand can change at any moment. We take our own measure by how well we play the hand we've got."

What You Do Is What Happens to You

When we seem stuck in old, destructive patterns, it may not be the karma of the past that's causing us to be stuck. If we're stuck, it's more likely that we're re-creating the same old patterns with our present thoughts and attitudes. To change our karma and change our lives, we have to change our minds. Zen teacher John Daido Loori said, "Cause and effect are one thing. And what is that one thing? You. That’s why what you do and what happens to you are the same thing."

Certainly, the karma of the past impacts your present life, but change is always possible.

No Judge, No Justice

Buddhism also teaches that there are other forces besides karma that shape our lives. These include natural forces such as the changing seasons and gravity. When a natural disaster such as an earthquake strikes a community, this is not some kind of collective karmic punishment. It's an unfortunate event that requires a compassionate response, not judgment.

Some people have a hard time understanding karma is created by our own actions. Perhaps because they are raised with other religious models, they want to believe there is some kind of mysterious cosmic force directing karma, rewarding good people and punishing bad people. This is not the position of Buddhism. Buddhist scholar Walpola Rahula said,

"The theory of karma should not be confused with so-called 'moral justice' or 'reward and punishment'. The idea of moral justice, or reward and punishment, arises out of the conception of a supreme being, a God, who sits in judgment, who is a law-giver and who decides what is right and wrong. The term 'justice' is ambiguous and dangerous, and in its name more harm than good is done to humanity. The theory of karma is the theory of cause and effect, of action and reaction; it is a natural law, which has nothing to do with the idea of justice or reward and punishment."

The Good, the Bad and the Karma

Sometimes people talk about "good" and "bad" (or "evil") karma. Buddhist understanding of "good" and "evil" is somewhat different from the way Westerners usually understand these terms. To see the Buddhist perspective, it's useful to substitute the words "wholesome" and "unwholesome" for "good" and "evil." Wholesome actions spring from selfless compassion, loving-kindness and wisdom. Unwholesome actions spring from greed, hate, and ignorance. Some teachers use similar terms, such as "helpful and unhelpful," to convey this idea. 

• Karma and Rebirth

The way most people understand reincarnation is that a soul, or some autonomous essence of self, survives death and is reborn into a new body. In that case, it's easy to imagine the karma of a past life sticking to that self and being carried over to a new life. This is largely the position of Hindu philosophy, where it is believed that a discrete soul is reborn again and again. But Buddhist teachings are very different.

The Buddha taught a doctrine called anatman , or anatta — no soul, or no self. According to this doctrine, there is no "self" in the sense of a permanent, integral, autonomous being within an individual existence. What we think of as our self, our personality and ego, are temporary creations that do not survive death.

In light of this doctrine — what is it that is reborn? And where does karma fit in?

When asked this question, the renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, borrowing concepts from modern psychological theory, said that what gets reborn is our neurosis — meaning that it is our karmic bad habits and ignorance that gets reborn — until such time as we awaken fully. The question is a complex one for Buddhists, and not one for which there is a single answer. Certainly, there are Buddhists that believe in literal rebirth from one life to the next, but there are also others who adopt a modern interpretation, suggesting that rebirth refers to the repetitious cycle of bad habits we may follow if we have an insufficient understanding of our true natures. 

Whatever interpretation is offered, though, Buddhists are united in the belief that our actions affect both current and future conditions, and that escape from the karmic cycle of dissatisfaction and suffering is possible. 

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Essay on Karma

Students are often asked to write an essay on Karma in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Karma

Understanding karma.

Karma is a concept originating from ancient India. It’s about the law of cause and effect. Simply put, it means that what you do will eventually come back to you.

Karma in Daily Life

In daily life, karma can be seen in how our actions affect our lives. If we help others, good things tend to happen to us. If we hurt others, we may face negative consequences.

The Importance of Karma

Understanding karma teaches us to be responsible for our actions. It encourages us to act positively, leading to a better life and a better world.

250 Words Essay on Karma

Karma, a concept deeply rooted in various Eastern philosophies, is commonly understood as the principle of cause and effect. It suggests that our actions, whether good or bad, inevitably return to us in some form, creating a cycle of action and consequence.

The Mechanics of Karma

At its core, karma is not about punishment or reward, but about learning and growth. It provides a framework for understanding how our actions impact the world around us and ourselves. Every action we take generates energy that affects our future experiences. This energy, whether positive or negative, ultimately returns to us, influencing our lives in ways that reflect our past actions.

Karma and Personal Growth

The concept of karma encourages self-awareness and introspection. It prompts us to critically evaluate our actions and their potential consequences before we act. By doing so, we can strive to make choices that generate positive karma, fostering personal growth and contributing to collective well-being.

Karma in the Modern World

In the contemporary context, karma serves as a moral compass, guiding individuals towards ethical actions. It underscores the interconnectedness of all beings, urging us to act responsibly and compassionately. The belief that our actions will return to us may deter harmful behaviors and promote acts of kindness and generosity.

In conclusion, karma is a profound philosophical construct that encourages mindfulness, responsibility, and personal growth. It is a reminder that we are not isolated entities but integral parts of a complex web of life, where our actions reverberate beyond our immediate surroundings.

500 Words Essay on Karma

Karma, a concept rooted in various Eastern religions, is often understood as a cosmic principle of cause and effect. It’s an intricate system where actions and intentions are believed to influence the future, either in this life or a subsequent one. The essence of karma is that every action has consequences, and these consequences are not merely inflicted by an external force but are a direct result of the actions themselves.

Karma in Different Religions

In Hinduism, karma is a fundamental doctrine, closely linked with the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The law of karma dictates that every action, thought, or decision one makes in their life will somehow influence their future lives.

Buddhism, on the other hand, interprets karma not as a system of punishment or reward but as a means to understand the nature of reality. It emphasizes the role of intention behind actions and how it shapes our experiences.

In Jainism, karma is seen as a physical substance that clings to the soul, affecting its ability to reach liberation. The type and intensity of karma depend on the nature of the actions performed.

The Philosophical Implications of Karma

The concept of karma has profound philosophical implications. It introduces a moral dimension to the universe, suggesting that ethical conduct is not only a social necessity but also a cosmic one. It’s seen as a self-regulating system that maintains moral equilibrium, providing a sense of justice and fairness.

Moreover, karma encourages responsibility for one’s actions. It proposes that we are the architects of our destiny, shaping our future through our actions and intentions. This perspective empowers individuals to take charge of their lives and make ethical decisions.

Karma and Modern Perspectives

In the modern world, karma is often misinterpreted as a form of divine retribution. However, its true essence is far from this simplified understanding. Karma is not about punishment or reward; it’s about understanding the interconnectedness of all things and the consequences of our actions.

The concept of karma has also found resonance in scientific fields. In psychology, the idea that our actions and intentions can shape our future aligns with the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy. In physics, the law of action and reaction bears a striking resemblance to the law of karma.

Karma, in its essence, is a philosophical tool for understanding the world and our place in it. It’s a reminder of our responsibility towards our actions and their consequences. Misunderstood as a system of punishment and reward, the true essence of karma lies in its portrayal of the intricate web of cause and effect that governs the universe. Whether viewed through a religious, philosophical, or scientific lens, the concept of karma offers profound insights into the nature of life and the universe.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Home Blog Understanding Karma – Cause and Effect

Understanding Karma – Cause and Effect

Category: Buddhist Meditation | Buddhist Path | Mind Trainer Articles | Popular

Meditation on karma, motivation and result

Karma is something that’s often totally misunderstood. When most people hear the word karma, they associate it with the idea of fate: “It’s your karma. There’s nothing you can do about it.” But the true sense of karma is exactly the opposite. Karma can change. If we want to improve our lives and the situations of everyone around us, we need to understand how karma works.

The word karma simply means action. It has to do with cause and effect— the law of karma is actually very scientific . In the physical world, it’s easy to understand: you put your finger on the hot stove, it immediately hurts, right? In the world of the mind, karma works exactly the same way. It’s the same kind of cause and effect, but because it’s less tangible, it’s harder to understand. There is also a time delay for mental effects to ripen in our mindstream.

Everything is interrelated in terms of these movements of cause and effect: what we put into our mind has a huge effect—on what? On everything. It’s like food. We all know that if you put bad food in your body, you don’t feel good. Similarly, if you entertain negative thoughts, you don’t feel good. But good food and good thoughts are a different story and lead to a different outcome.

In many ways, cause and effect in terms of the mind are based on motivation. Because of this, when we think, speak or act, our intention is the most critical thing; our motivation determines what’s ultimately going to happen. Everything starts with mind—a physical action never precedes a mental event. There’s a thought, your mind becomes active and your body moves afterward. If your deep wish is to graduate from high school and become an auto mechanic, you’re not motivated to go to college. Or if you go to college and you study business, you’re not going to magically become a brain surgeon, right? It’s simple: motivation both leads to a result and limits the result.

In a very simple sense, in our minds cause and effect are grouped into positive motivations or thoughts and negative motivations or thoughts. A positive thought is something that relates to others, something that’s beneficial, like generosity , kindness and wanting to help. It’s about not being absorbed in the self. But negative thoughts and emotions are inherently self-centered. Anger, greed, jealousy, competitiveness, any kind of focus on oneself, thinking exclusively about one’s own happiness and wanting to eliminate one’s own suffering, period, is the opposite of wanting to be of benefit to others. And as it happens, the more we indulge and engage in selfish thoughts and emotions and reinforce the motivation behind them, the more effort we put into securing our own benefit, the less happy we are. Working hard for the benefit of others is where genuine happiness lies.

That’s the right view of karma : a beneficial motivation leads to positive actions—whether they’re thoughts or activities—and these lead to happiness. Self-centered or aggressive motivations lead to suffering. Once we’ve begun to grasp the truth of this, we can begin to figure out how to actually work with the mind and shape our karma .

In my experience, the key is meditation: looking at the mind during meditation practice . If we look very carefully at our state of mind during practice, we can actually see the very moment we have that positive thought. There’s a little seed of happiness. Likewise, we can actually catch the very moment a negative thought arises. There’s this little seed of suffering. This is the very definition of karma; the effect inevitably follows the cause .

For example, sometimes when you burst out at someone and you yell at them, there may be a feeling of relief or revenge and you kind of get off on it; you feel pumped in a way. But there’s still this nagging feeling that doesn’t feel very good—maybe we call that conscience. And conversely, when we’re generous and we give to others, there’s a natural feeling of goodness and well-being that we connect with in that moment. The seed of the future result is there from that very moment.

We can begin to see this as we work with our minds through meditation practice. When we sit and meditate and bring the mind back to the breath, all kinds of things arise in our minds. As we begin to replay negative events, positive events and emotions, we begin to see the patterns. These patterns are described in detail in the Buddhist teaching on dependent origination . And this is what leads to freedom. The key point of karma is actually freedom : freedom from being subjected to the habitual patterns of our own minds.

If we’re unaware of the workings of the mind, we have no chance to catch the movements of mind, no chance to change things, no chance to turn thought patterns into something positive. In that sense, without awareness we’re “fated” to experience the result of those negative thoughts. But in meditation practice we become aware of our thoughts, patterns, and emotions and we can actually choose to do something about them. We can change how we react in the very moment. This is the key to freedom; this is where karma is the opposite of fate. Meditation practice is about learning to free our minds from the patterns that lead to unhappiness and embrace the ones that lead to happiness , for ourselves and others. Understanding karma is understanding how mind works in terms of cause and effect.

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About the Author: Bart Mendel

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Definition of karma

• ambiance
• vibration(s)

Examples of karma in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'karma.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Sanskrit karma fate, work

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Dictionary Entries Near karma

karmadharaya

Cite this Entry

“Karma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karma. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about karma

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