因果
Karma
Buddhism · conceptThe law of cause and effect in Buddhist philosophy, where intentional actions — of body, speech, and mind — produce corresponding results in this life or future lives. The word karma literally means 'action' and does not imply fate or predestination. Rather, it describes a natural law of moral causation: wholesome actions lead to favorable outcomes, while unwholesome actions lead to suffering. Karma is not a system of reward and punishment administered by an external judge but an impersonal principle of conditionality. Understanding karma provides a framework for ethical responsibility and personal transformation.
All living beings are the owners of their karma, heirs to their karma.
— Buddhist karma tradition (Anguttara Nikaya)
What Are the Key Facts About Karma?
- Tradition: Buddhism
- Chinese: 因果
- Category: Concept
- Definition: The law of cause and effect in Buddhist philosophy, where intentional actions — of body, speech, and mind — produce corresponding results in this life or future lives.
What Concepts Are Related to Karma?
Samsara 轮回Frequently Asked Questions About Karma
What is karma?
Karma is the principle that intentional action has moral consequences: wholesome (kusala) action leads to beneficial results, unwholesome (akusala) to suffering, across this and future lives.
Is karma fate or punishment?
Neither. Karma is causal, not a divine judgment; it is the ripening of one's own intentional deeds, and present effort can shape future results. It is closer to cause-and-effect than fate.
How does karma connect to rebirth?
In Indian traditions, karma accumulates across lives and conditions the form of future rebirth within samsara, so ethical conduct shapes one's trajectory beyond a single life.
Do all Indian traditions agree on karma?
Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism all accept karma and rebirth but differ on mechanics (e.g., Buddhist karma is momentary and intention-centered, not a permanent soul's record).