Karma: a Buddhist Concept

From my reading in the book Emptiness by Guy Armstrong I also found a clearer understanding of Karma. I gathered that much of Karma is about the volitional formation behind the action in other words the intention. If your intentions are wholesome then clear Karma is generated. We are always making karma. Everything depends on prior causes and conditions.

The book Emptiness also enlightened me about the 5th aggregate of consciousness. I found it so interesting that the stream of consciousness is is thought to be reborn. I'm trying to remember the exact description but it was something of the stream of consciousness provides the nourishment for the next consciousness to arise. I may need to re-read that part to get it more exact. I had been wondering what is reborn since Buddhism says there is no actual self, no entity that can be identified as I. This book helped me understand these topics. The wisdom that the Buddha taught truly is so profound.

What Buddhist concept has illuminated your path the most?

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Entwistle · 56-60, M Best Comment

Re Emptiness,all things manifest as expressions of ones mind,therefore they are not different from ones mind. The illusion is that we think there is a 'Me' an 'i' doing the perceiving and all the 'outer things' are being perceived..it's a dualistic mindset. That's a delusion.
All things are just labelled by the mind,they don't exist out there or from there own side.
The film is in the projector...not on the screen!

hunkalove · 61-69, M

Certainly Karma. Jesus said it best. "As you sow, so shall you reap."

curiouspirit · 36-40, F

@hunkalove Jesus and Buddha both had it right! That is indeed a very poignant statement that explains Karma in a few words.

Entwistle · 56-60, M

Karma is a Hindu concept that Buddhism adopted.
Karma (Kamma) means action...many folk think it refers to action and reaction.

curiouspirit · 36-40, F

@Entwistle That is very helpful. I didn't know that Buddhism adopted Karma from Hinduism. Very interesting. I have been wondering about the relationship between those two philosophies.

Carissimi · F

Mindfulness, of which I’m lacking, but still attempt, and that we should be our own authority, and question everything, including Buddha himself.

curiouspirit · 36-40, F

@Carissimi Absolutely! The Buddha instructed to see for yourself if what he says is indeed true. Buddhism requires us to seek direct experience and not take anything on what others say. Mindfulness is indeed an important component when it comes to Buddhism. It is something to be cultivated moment by moment. I too am continually working on this faculty.

Carissimi · F

It’s not easy, but that’s why they call it a “practice.” @curiouspirit

curiouspirit · 36-40, F

@Carissimi Indeed, we all must practice the skillful actions that Buddhism speaks of. So many attributes to develop that practice is endless. Every moment can be a moment of practice. Indeed, we live in the School of Life where we can always find ways to practice.

Entwistle · 56-60, M

The stream of consciousness is reborn from moment to moment,it comes from the previous moment.
Karma is based upon your volition and motive. Two people can do the same action but with different intentions,this leading to different results.

Gangstress · 41-45, F

Karma is a hindu concept adopted by buddhism

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