What is karma?
- Part 1 -

Thangjam Sanjoo Singh *

(from) A collection of Photos from all across Thailand by Nameirakpam Bobo

The Sanskrit word karma literally means "action", though in English it is often used to denote the fruit of an action.

For sentient beings, karma is the primary force of development. Thoughts, words and deeds based on intention (these terms implies a conscious effort to accomplish a task) produce an energy that leaves karmic seeds, traces,in the mind stream(Buddhism divides the stream of consciousness into eight levels. It is the eighth, the alaya, where the residual forces of intentional thought, word or deed are stored). These traces essentially define the course of future events as they ripen under the influence of external factors.

How do these traces affect the future? Consider a building. The third floor does not appear independently; rather, it depends on the first and second floors for its position. In turn, these levels depend on each brick or stone for their stability. If several bricks are defective or placed insecurely, a problem will arise at a higher level.

In other words, we can say that the energy from these bricks is transmitted through the whole structure. The traces imprinted through on the mind stream influence the nature of the whole stream in a similar way. In the future, the consequences of that left the traces will be experienced.

With regard to the nature of the traces, The Buddha observed that mental, verbal and physical acts motivated by selfless generosity and goodwill produce pleasant and favourable results when the conditions are right. These are the solid bricks. In contrast, those governed by a mind distorted by greed, hatred, attachment, jealously, pride or delusions are the bricks that lay the ground for future hardships.

These karmic traces or seeds are similar to the latent potential for sound to resonate from vocal chords or for ice to form in water. They cannot be discerned, but when stirred by external forces, sound and ice are produced. In the same way, when a karmic seeds meet conducive circumstances, a situation arises according to nature of the seed. In an earthquake, for example, a house constructed with defective bricks might collapse.

The concept that past acts determine future circumstances can be difficult to comprehend. So, let us look at another example. As a youth, you exercised regularly and had a healthy diet. Now you are middle-aged executive who likes to eat junk food and put feet up in front of the TV. Even though this lifestyle is unhealthy, you will still reap the benefits of previous good habits, though they will diminish in time.

Equally, the rate at which they diminish will depend on the input of other actions. A diet consisting purely of junk food and exercise limited to switching TV channels will exacerbate a decline in health far more than a mixed diet and moderate exercise. In the same way that exercise primarily affects the continuum of the body, actions influence the continuum of the mind.

The results of one's acts, however, bear fruit at different periods. They can materialize within the same lifetime that they are committed, within the next lifetime,or at some time far in the future. We might see those that cheat and commit atrocities living in wealth and opulence, while the good and kinds are often sick.

This kind of situation arises because those that are currently engaged in unwholesome acts but who live in style are reaping the benefits of past positive actions, while those that are kind and generous but who experience ill health or poverty are suffering the effects of former negative actions. In Buddhism, it is often said that to know our past lives we need only look in a mirror, while to know the future we need only observe our present attitude and conduct.

It is said that for every cause, there are a number of effects, and for every effect, there are number of causes. Moreover, an outwardly similar act can produce different consequences, depending on various factors. For example, the level of assistance offered to the beneficiary, and whether the benefactor regrets or rejoices in the action later. Assistance offered to impress or to gain reward, for example, is like planting a tainted seed. The fruit will be adversely affected. In addition, the value of wholesome action is increased when it is directed towards beings to which we are indebted, such as the Buddha, the guru or a parent. The law of karma is like a river that twists and turns, absorbing both filth and fresh rain as it cascades down a mountain.

Actually, it is impossible for the ordinary people mind to fully grasp the intricacies of the law of karma; it is similar to a blind man trying to imagine a colour he has never seen- it can only be understood through direct experience. Consequently, the Buddha deemed speculation regarding such metaphysical matters a waste of time.

A common misunderstanding, however, is to confuse karma with predestined fate. The difference is that with predestined fate, there is no free will. While Buddhism does not deny that our circumstances are generally beyond our control, it emphasizes that the way in which we handle them is not.

To be continued...