What goes Around comes Around : Karma
Karma – Philosophy not religion
The notion of Karma is very important for those trying to understand some of the fundamental concepts in Buddhism notably Samsara. We could define it as being the rules that define the destiny of all beings, a law that is not imposed by an exterior force, but that is inherent in each and everyone of us.
Just as the laws of physics, chemistry and biology condition natural phenomenons.
5 stages to better understand Buddhism- Karma
- Since the very beginning of time, all beings have found themselves living in a state of ignorance, without understanding their own true nature.
- Under the grip of ignorance, they wrongly create the existence of “me”, subject and centre of all experiences (ego), and “them/others”, object and periphery of experiences. The duality that is created, quickly imprisons and clouds all perceptions.
- This duality leads to a series of sub-conscious relationships between the “me” and the “others”. These can be negative (desire, anger, ignorance, hatred and jealousy) or positive (compassion, faith, generosity).
- Influenced by these movements within our sub-conscious, we are lead to act : physical action, words, even thoughts. Creating a potency for good or bad, these are then lodged deep in our consciousness. That is by definition Karma.
- These potencies mature as we go from one type of existence to another (re-birth) and we experiences them as happy or painful moments, depending on the nature.
Buddhism and multiple existence
It is by this manner that we can explain the diversity of existence and destiny. Karma is one of the fundamental driving forces in Buddhism as it pushes Buddhists to spread love and happiness, while bringing perspective on suffering, pain and anger. The concepts here are not to be taken as “truth”
Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.
– Lord Buddha