7.2 Karma and Samsara: theories of action and rebirth
4 min read•july 31, 2024
and are key ideas in Indian philosophy. They explain how our actions shape our future lives. This belief system says we're reborn many times, with each life influenced by what we did before.
These concepts are part of a bigger picture in Indian ethics. They connect to ideas about duty (), freedom from rebirth (), and life goals (purusharthas). Understanding Karma and Samsara helps make sense of Indian moral thinking.
Karma and Samsara in Indian Philosophy
Core Concepts and Definitions
Top images from around the web for Core Concepts and Definitions
Karma, Dharma and Moksha: Interpreting Indian philosophy View original
Is this image relevant?
Samsara – Wikipedija View original
Is this image relevant?
Samsara – AnthroWiki View original
Is this image relevant?
Karma, Dharma and Moksha: Interpreting Indian philosophy View original
Is this image relevant?
Samsara – Wikipedija View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Core Concepts and Definitions
Karma, Dharma and Moksha: Interpreting Indian philosophy View original
Is this image relevant?
Samsara – Wikipedija View original
Is this image relevant?
Samsara – AnthroWiki View original
Is this image relevant?
Karma, Dharma and Moksha: Interpreting Indian philosophy View original
Is this image relevant?
Samsara – Wikipedija View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Karma derives from Sanskrit root "kri" meaning "to do" or "to act" refers to universal principle of cause and effect governing all life
- Samsara represents continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth fundamental to many Indian philosophical traditions (Hinduism, , )
- Interrelationship between karma and samsara forms core tenet in Indian philosophy
- Actions in current life determine nature of future rebirths within samsara cycle
- Karma functions as complex system of moral causation allowing for individual agency and responsibility
- Not simply fate or predestination
- Karma concept extends beyond single lifetime
- Accumulates across multiple incarnations
- Influences quality and circumstances of future existences within samsara
- Liberation from samsara cycle known as moksha or often seen as ultimate spiritual goal
- Varies slightly in different Indian traditions
Philosophical Significance
- Karma-samsara framework provides rational explanation for diversity of human experiences
- Addresses apparent inequalities in life
- Offers solution to problem of theodicy in Indian philosophy
- Emphasizes individual responsibility and free will
- Current situation results from past choices
- Future circumstances shaped by present actions
- Promotes ethical behavior and moral living
- Individuals motivated to perform good actions for better future outcomes
- Raises philosophical questions about personal identity and consciousness
- Concept of self persisting across multiple rebirths
- Challenges materialistic worldviews
- Posits moral order to universe
- Suggests existence of subtle, non-physical aspects of reality persisting beyond death
Karma's Causal Relationship
Principles of Karmic Operation
- Law of karma operates on principle that every action, thought, or intention has corresponding effect
- Effects manifest in current life or future incarnations
- Functions as moral law of universe
- Ethical actions lead to positive outcomes
- Unethical actions result in negative consequences
- Fruits of karma (phala) may not be immediately apparent
- Often ripen over time or across multiple lifetimes
- Explains apparent injustices or inequalities in world
- Quality and intensity of action's karmic effect influenced by various factors
- Intention behind action
- Nature of act itself
- Context in which action performed
Temporal Manifestations of Karma
- Karma categorized into three types based on temporal manifestation
- : Accumulated karma from past lives
- : Karma currently being experienced
- Agami karma: Karma being created in present for future effects
- Concept of karmic debt (Rin) suggests individuals carry forward unresolved obligations
- Necessitates specific experiences or relationships in future incarnations
- Prarabdha karma determines circumstances of current life
- Influences lifespan, social status, major life events
- Shapes individual's journey through samsara
- Sanchita karma represents total accumulation of past actions across all lifetimes
- Serves as reservoir from which future experiences in samsara drawn
- Kriyamana or Agami karma refers to actions performed in present life
- Bears fruit in future incarnations
- Shapes ongoing trajectory through samsara
Types of Karma and Samsara
Qualitative Categories of Karma
- Sattvik karma associated with purity and goodness
- Leads to positive rebirths and spiritual progress within samsara
- Potentially culminates in liberation
- Rajasik karma characterized by passion and activity
- Results in rebirths marked by worldly desires and attachments
- Perpetuates cycle of samsara
- Tamasik karma stems from ignorance and inertia
- Leads to lower forms of rebirth
- Increases suffering within samsara
- Nishkam Karma (desireless action) concept from
- Suggests way to act within samsara without accruing further karmic bonds
- Potentially leads to liberation
Karmic Influences on Rebirth
- Prarabdha karma determines circumstances of current life
- Influences lifespan (long-lived vs short-lived)
- Affects social status (wealthy vs impoverished)
- Shapes major life events (successful career vs constant setbacks)
- Sanchita karma represents total accumulation of past actions
- Acts as reservoir for future experiences in samsara
- Influences overall trajectory of soul's journey (upward vs downward spiritual progress)
- Kriyamana or Agami karma shapes future incarnations
- Present actions influence future birth circumstances (human vs animal realm)
- Determines quality of relationships and experiences in future lives
Implications of Karma and Samsara
Ethical and Social Considerations
- Karma-samsara beliefs often promote ethical behavior
- Motivates individuals to perform good actions (charitable giving, compassionate acts)
- Encourages moral living for better future outcomes
- Critics argue karma doctrine can lead to problematic outcomes
- Potential for fatalism or resignation to current circumstances
- Risk of justifying social inequalities (caste system in India)
- May discourage efforts to address systemic injustices
- Concept challenges notions of divine judgment or arbitrary fate
- Presents universe as inherently just and orderly system
- Individual actions directly influence future experiences
Philosophical and Existential Impact
- Karma-samsara framework addresses problem of suffering and injustice
- Provides explanation for apparent unfairness in life (child born with illness)
- Offers hope for future improvement through personal effort
- Raises questions about nature of self and consciousness
- How does individual identity persist across multiple lifetimes?
- What constitutes the essence of a person that carries karmic imprints?
- Presents teleological framework for human existence
- Ultimate goal of liberation (moksha or nirvana) gives purpose to life
- Influences ethical considerations and life choices (pursuit of spiritual practices)
- Challenges materialistic worldviews
- Suggests existence of subtle, non-physical aspects of reality (karmic imprints)
- Posits moral order to universe beyond observable physical laws
Key Terms to Review (23)
Adharma: Adharma refers to the concept of unrighteousness or moral wrongness in Indian philosophy. It represents actions and behaviors that are contrary to dharma, the ethical and moral code that governs an individual's duty and conduct. Adharma disrupts the natural order and contributes to negative karmic consequences, which can affect the cycle of rebirth and the overall balance in the universe.
Adi Shankaracharya: Adi Shankaracharya was an influential Indian philosopher and theologian who lived in the early 8th century CE, best known for consolidating the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of thought in Hindu philosophy. His teachings emphasized the oneness of Brahman and Atman, advocating that realization of this unity leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Advaita Vedanta: Advaita Vedanta is a non-dualistic school of Indian philosophy that teaches the fundamental oneness of Brahman (the ultimate reality) and Atman (the individual self). It emphasizes that the apparent distinctions between the self and the universe are illusory, leading to a deep understanding of the nature of existence and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, composed in the form of a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. This text addresses the moral and philosophical dilemmas faced by Arjuna on the battlefield and explores essential concepts like duty, righteousness, and the nature of reality, making it a foundational text in Indian philosophy.
Buddhism: Buddhism is a spiritual and philosophical tradition founded in the 5th to 4th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, which emphasizes the path to enlightenment through practices like meditation and ethical living. Its teachings encompass concepts like suffering, impermanence, and the interdependence of all things, which connect deeply with other philosophical traditions in India.
Cycle of Existence: The cycle of existence refers to the continuous process of birth, life, death, and rebirth known as samsara, which is governed by karma. This concept emphasizes that one's actions in life (karma) directly influence their future experiences and circumstances in the ongoing cycle of rebirth.
Dharma: Dharma is a key concept in Indian philosophy that refers to the moral, ethical, and righteous duties or responsibilities one must follow in life. It encompasses an individual's obligations to themselves, their family, society, and the universe, often varying based on one's age, caste, and life situation. This concept is foundational to various Indian philosophical traditions and influences how individuals navigate their lives and spiritual paths.
Gautama Buddha: Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, is the founder of Buddhism and a pivotal figure in Indian philosophy, born around the 5th century BCE. He attained enlightenment and offered profound teachings on suffering, the nature of reality, and the path to liberation from samsara, which connects to key concepts like karma and rebirth. His insights laid the groundwork for understanding human purpose and the ultimate goals of life, influencing countless seekers on their spiritual journeys.
Jain Agamas: Jain Agamas are the canonical scriptures of Jainism, consisting of teachings attributed to Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. These texts provide detailed guidance on Jain philosophy, ethics, and practices, including the concepts of karma and samsara, which are central to understanding action and rebirth within this religious tradition.
Jainism: Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence, truth, and asceticism as a path to liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. It plays a crucial role in the development of Indian philosophical thought by advocating for a distinct understanding of ethics, reality, and the nature of the self.
Kaivalya: Kaivalya is a key concept in Indian philosophy that signifies the state of absolute liberation or isolation, where the soul (Purusha) attains freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). It represents the ultimate goal of spiritual practice, characterized by the complete separation of consciousness from material existence (Prakriti) and realization of one's true self. This state is often achieved through self-realization and understanding the dualism of existence.
Karma: Karma refers to the law of cause and effect in which an individual's actions (both good and bad) influence their future circumstances and experiences, particularly in the context of reincarnation. This concept connects deeply with ideas of moral responsibility and ethical living across various Indian philosophical traditions.
Karma-phala: Karma-phala refers to the concept of the fruits or consequences of one's actions in the context of Indian philosophy. It embodies the principle that every action generates a result, impacting an individual's future experiences, including rebirth and the cycle of samsara. This notion emphasizes the moral quality of actions, suggesting that good actions lead to positive outcomes, while negative actions yield suffering or unfavorable rebirths.
Kriyamana karma: Kriyamana karma refers to the actions that are performed in the present moment, which create new karma and influence future experiences. This concept emphasizes the dynamic nature of human action and its consequences, linking present actions with future rebirths and experiences in the cycle of samsara. It serves as a reminder that every action taken now contributes to one's karmic debt, affecting not only individual lives but also the collective experiences of all beings.
Mahavira: Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism and is regarded as one of the most important figures in the development of Jain philosophy and practice. He is often considered the founder of Jainism in its present form, emphasizing principles like non-violence and truth that are central to Jain ethics and metaphysics.
Moksha: Moksha refers to the liberation or release from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) in Indian philosophy. It signifies the ultimate goal of human existence, where the individual soul (atman) is united with the absolute reality (Brahman) or attains a state of eternal bliss and knowledge.
Nirvana: Nirvana is a central concept in Indian philosophy, especially in Buddhism, representing the ultimate state of liberation and freedom from suffering, desire, and the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). Achieving nirvana signifies the end of all desires and attachments, leading to a profound state of peace and enlightenment, which is crucial to understanding key philosophical ideas surrounding liberation and the nature of existence.
Prarabdha karma: Prarabdha karma refers to the portion of one's past actions that have begun to yield results in the present life. It represents the karma that has already been set into motion and is responsible for the current experiences and circumstances of an individual. This concept plays a vital role in understanding the cycle of karma and samsara, as it connects past actions with present conditions and future experiences.
Punarjanma: Punarjanma refers to the cycle of rebirth or reincarnation in Indian philosophy, where the soul is believed to be reborn into new bodies across different lifetimes. This concept is intricately linked with karma, as the actions performed in past lives influence the circumstances and conditions of future rebirths, emphasizing a continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth within samsara.
Samsara: Samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that all living beings undergo in Indian philosophy. This ongoing process is often seen as a state of suffering and entrapment from which individuals seek liberation, highlighting the transient nature of existence and the continual quest for spiritual awakening.
Sanchita Karma: Sanchita karma refers to the accumulated karma from all of one's past actions that remain to be experienced in future lives. It represents the storehouse of past deeds that shape an individual's destiny and experiences in the cycle of birth and rebirth. This concept is essential in understanding the broader theories of action and rebirth, as it highlights how previous actions contribute to current and future life situations.
Transmigration of the soul: Transmigration of the soul refers to the process by which the soul moves from one body to another after death, often associated with rebirth and the cyclical nature of existence. This concept is deeply intertwined with beliefs about karma and samsara, suggesting that the actions (karma) taken in one life influence the circumstances of future lives in a continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). Essentially, it highlights the moral implications of one's actions and their effects on the soul's journey through different lifetimes.
Upanishads: The Upanishads are ancient Indian texts that form the philosophical basis of Hinduism, exploring the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the ultimate reality (Brahman). They mark a significant shift from ritualistic practices in Vedic literature to a more introspective and philosophical inquiry into the essence of existence.