Karma

Definition

Karma is a fundamental concept in Indian philosophy that refers to the law of cause and effect, where an individual's actions (good or bad) influence their future experiences and rebirths. This idea is central to understanding moral responsibility and the interconnectedness of life across various philosophical traditions in India.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Karma can be divided into three types: Sanchita (accumulated karma), Prarabdha (karma that is currently affecting the individual), and Agami (karma that will come from future actions).
2. In Jainism, karma is viewed as a physical substance that attaches to the soul, affecting its purity and spiritual development.
3. The concept of karma emphasizes personal responsibility, as individuals are accountable for their actions and their consequences in this life and future lives.
4. Karma influences social structures in India, as it often determines one's caste and social status based on past actions.
5. Philosophical interpretations of karma vary across different Indian traditions, influencing ideas about ethics, justice, and the nature of reality.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of karma connect to the ethical implications of Dharma in Indian philosophical traditions?
  • Karma is deeply intertwined with the concept of Dharma as both address moral responsibility. Dharma represents the ethical duties individuals must follow based on their role in society, while karma embodies the consequences of one's actions. When individuals act according to their Dharma, they generate positive karma that benefits them in future lives. Conversely, neglecting one's Dharma leads to negative karma, highlighting the importance of ethical conduct in shaping one’s destiny.
• Discuss how different philosophical schools interpret the relationship between karma and Mokṣa.
  • Different philosophical schools in India offer varied interpretations of how karma affects Mokṣa. For example, in Hinduism, good karma accumulated through righteous actions helps facilitate Mokṣa by freeing the soul from samsara. In Buddhism, while karma is acknowledged, liberation is achieved through understanding and breaking free from attachments and desires rather than just accumulating good deeds. Jain philosophy focuses on purifying the soul from karmic particles through strict adherence to non-violence and truthfulness as a path to Mokṣa.
• Evaluate the impact of karma on social structures in India and its philosophical implications for justice and ethics.
  • The impact of karma on social structures in India is significant, as it often determines one's caste and societal position based on past actions. This linkage raises philosophical questions about justice and ethics within Indian thought. While some may argue that a karmic framework promotes personal accountability for one's circumstances, it can also lead to fatalism and social stagnation by justifying inequality. Thus, the interplay between karma, ethics, and social justice invites critical examination regarding how moral actions shape not only individual destinies but also broader societal dynamics.

Related terms

Dharma:

Dharma refers to the ethical duties and responsibilities that an individual must follow according to their social and cosmic order, playing a crucial role in shaping one's karma.

Mokṣa: Mokṣa is the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara), which can be achieved by understanding and transcending one's karma.

Samsara:

Samsara is the continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth, which is influenced by an individual's karma, determining their future incarnations.