The Workings of Karma Flashcards
Chaper 12 (262 cards)
1
Q
What are the two main types of karma differentiated by the results they bring?
A
Projecting karma and completing karma.
2
Q
What kind of result does projecting karma primarily bring?
A
Projecting karma ripens in rebirth in a samsāric realm, determining the aggregates of a desire-realm, form-realm, or formless-realm being.
3
Q
What is the role of completing karma?
A
Completing karma determines the specific attributes or experiences within that lifetime, such as one’s appearance, health, or the circumstances one encounters.
4
Q
Do all four branches of an action need to be complete for it to become projecting karma?
A
Yes, all four branches (basis, intention, execution, and completion) must be complete for an action to become projecting karma.
5
Q
Is it necessary for all four branches to be complete for an action to become completing karma?
A
No, this is not necessary for a completing karma.
6
Q
Can one experience virtuous completing karma in a life resulting from nonvirtuous projecting karma?
A
Yes, for example, a pampered pet might experience comforts (virtuous completing karma) despite being born in the animal realm (nonvirtuous projecting karma).
7
Q
What is an example of virtuous projecting karma leading to nonvirtuous completing karma?
A
A human life (virtuous projecting karma) lived in extreme poverty or with constant suffering (nonvirtuous completing karma).
8
Q
What is collective karma?
A
Collective karma refers to actions done by a group of individuals that ripen in a shared experience or environment for that group, such as being born in a particular country or experiencing a natural disaster together.
9
Q
How does individual karma relate to collective karma?
A
While individuals share the results of collective karma, their specific experiences within that shared context are shaped by their individual karma. For example, in a single accident, some may die, some may be injured, and some may escape unharmed due to their individual karma.
10
Q
Are all actions experienced by a group due to their collective karma?
A
Not necessarily. Sometimes individuals with similar individual karma happen to gather and experience similar results, even if there wasn’t a specific past collective action performed together.
11
Q
What is an example of collective karma from the scriptures?
A
The citizens of Vārāṇasī who criticized a pratyekabuddha collectively experienced famine.
12
Q
What are naturally nonvirtuous actions?
A
Naturally nonvirtuous actions are those that are inherently harmful and would bring suffering regardless of whether the Buddha proscribed them, such as killing, stealing, or lying.
13
Q
What are proscribed nonvirtuous actions?
A
Proscribed nonvirtuous actions are those that are unskillful primarily because the Buddha forbade them for specific reasons, often to protect monastics or lay practitioners from certain behaviors that could hinder their practice, such as a monastic eating after midday.
14
Q
Are naturally nonvirtuous actions always unethical for everyone?
A
Generally yes, as they stem from destructive mental states and lead to suffering. However, the motivation is key. A bodhisattva might undertake a naturally nonvirtuous action out of great compassion to prevent greater harm, thereby transforming its karmic implication.
15
Q
What is the primary factor that determines whether an action is virtuous or nonvirtuous?
A
The mental factor of intention (cetanā) is the primary factor.
16
Q
What is ‘intention karma’ (cetanā karma)?
A
Intention karma is the mental factor of intention itself, the mental urge or volition that sets an action in motion. It is a mental karma.
17
Q
What is ‘intended karma’ (cetanayitvā karma)?
A
Intended karma refers to the physical and verbal actions that are motivated and brought about by the initial intention karma.
18
Q
Which is considered more weighty, intention karma or intended karma?
A
Intention karma (the mental factor) is generally considered more weighty because it is the root and driving force behind the physical or verbal action.
19
Q
What are the two main categories of karma based on the means of accomplishment?
A
Physical karma and verbal karma.
20
Q
What is mental karma in this context?
A
Mental karma primarily refers to the intention (cetanā) that motivates physical and verbal actions, as well as covetousness, malice, and wrong views when they are fully developed paths of action.
21
Q
What are ‘perceptible forms’ (vijñapti-rūpa) in the context of karma?
A
Perceptible forms are the visible movements of the body (physical karma) or audible sounds of speech (verbal karma) that express an intention and can be perceived by others.
22
Q
What are ‘imperceptible forms’ (avijñapti-rūpa) in the context of karma, according to the Vaibhāṣika school?
A
Imperceptible forms are subtle forms created in our mental continuum by powerful physical or verbal actions, especially those involving vows or strong intentions. These subtle forms continue to exist even when the action itself has ceased and are said to be what ripens into future effects.
23
Q
Do all Buddhist philosophical schools accept the existence of imperceptible forms?
A
No, schools like the Sautrāntika and Cittamātra explain the continuation of karmic potency through latencies or seeds (bīja) in the mindstream, rather than imperceptible forms.
24
Q
What characterizes ‘gloomy karmas’?
A
Gloomy karmas are nonvirtuous actions that arise from afflictive mental states like anger, attachment, or ignorance.
25
What kind of effects do gloomy karmas produce?
Gloomy karmas produce undesirable effects, such as rebirth in lower realms, suffering, and unpleasant circumstances.
26
What characterizes 'bright karmas'?
Bright karmas are virtuous actions motivated by constructive intentions like generosity, loving-kindness, and wisdom.
27
What kind of effects do bright karmas produce?
Bright karmas produce desirable effects, such as rebirth in higher realms, happiness, and pleasant circumstances.
28
What is 'gloomy and bright karma'?
This refers to actions that are a mixture of virtuous and nonvirtuous motivations or aspects, leading to mixed results.
29
Can destructive karma be purified?
Yes, destructive karma can be purified and its negative effects can be lessened or prevented from ripening.
30
What are the four opponent powers used for purifying destructive karma?
1. The power of regret for the harmful action. 2. The power of reliance/repair (taking refuge and generating bodhicitta). 3. The power of resolve (determining not to do the action again). 4. The power of remedial action (engaging in positive practices like prostrations, offering, reciting mantras, meditating on emptiness, etc.).
31
Is it possible to completely eradicate the seeds of negative karma before they ripen?
Yes, through diligent application of the four opponent powers, especially when combined with the wisdom realizing emptiness, the seeds of negative karma can be purified so they do not ripen or their effect is greatly diminished.
32
Who is ultimately responsible for creating our future experiences?
We ourselves are responsible for creating our future experiences through our present actions (karma).
33
Does this mean everything is predetermined by past karma?
No. While past karma influences our present, we have the agency in the present moment to create new karma that will shape our future. The mind can be transformed.
34
Who creates constructive or virtuous karma?
Any sentient being who engages in actions of body, speech, or mind motivated by virtuous intentions such as non-attachment, non-hatred, non-ignorance, generosity, ethical discipline, patience, joyous effort, concentration, or wisdom.
35
Why is understanding the complexity of karma important?
It helps us appreciate that a single action can have multiple effects, multiple causes can lead to a single effect, and the results of karma are not always immediate or straightforward. It also helps us understand that karma is definite (actions bring concordant results) and karma is expandable (small actions can lead to great results).
36
What are some examples of the complexity of karma?
A major karma can ripen before a minor one; a karma created closer to the time of death may ripen first; a karma one is more habituated to may ripen sooner; a more powerful karma (e.g., killing one's parents) will take precedence.
37
What kinds of causes are necessary for achieving a higher rebirth?
The primary causes are practicing ethical conduct (abandoning the ten nonvirtues and cultivating their opposites) and practicing generosity.
38
What kinds of causes are necessary for achieving liberation from samsara?
In addition to ethical conduct, one needs to cultivate the three higher trainings: higher ethical discipline, higher concentration, and higher wisdom (specifically the wisdom realizing selflessness/emptiness).
39
What kinds of causes are necessary for achieving full awakening (Buddhahood)?
All the causes for liberation are necessary, and in addition, one must cultivate bodhicitta (the aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and practice the six perfections (generosity, ethics, patience, joyous effort, concentration, and wisdom) over vast eons, accumulating immense merit and wisdom.
40
How does understanding karma lead to a deeper perspective on causality beyond simple cause and effect?
It leads to understanding dependent arising: phenomena do not exist independently but arise in dependence upon causes and conditions, parts, and mental imputation. This counters the misconception of inherent existence.
41
What is the significance of understanding dependent arising in relation to karma and liberation?
Understanding dependent arising, especially that phenomena are empty of inherent existence and exist by dependent designation, allows us to counteract ignorance, the root of samsara, and thereby attain liberation.
42
What is the main aim of the path of the initial-level practitioner, even when seeking a good rebirth?
The final aim is always full awakening (Buddhahood). The good rebirth is sought not as an end in itself but as a conducive basis for continuing on the path to enlightenment, keeping the bodhicitta motivation in mind.
43
What are the key contemplations for an initial-level practitioner to create a strong foundation for the path?
Cherishing the precious human life, awareness of impermanence and death, and contemplating karmic causality to encourage creating causes for happiness and abandoning causes for suffering.
44
What is the primary result of projecting karma?
Projecting karma determines the realm and type of rebirth we will take in samsara (e.g., human, animal, god, hell-being).
45
What is the primary result of completing karma?
Completing karma shapes the specific experiences, qualities, and circumstances we encounter within a particular life determined by the projecting karma.
46
Can a nonvirtuous projecting karma lead to a life with virtuous completing karma experiences?
Yes, one could be born as an animal (result of nonvirtuous projecting karma) but experience good treatment and care (result of virtuous completing karma from previous lives).
47
Can a virtuous projecting karma lead to a life with nonvirtuous completing karma experiences?
Yes, one could be born as a human (result of virtuous projecting karma) but experience poverty or hardship (result of nonvirtuous completing karma from previous lives).
48
What are the four branches that define a complete karmic path (projecting karma)?
Basis, Intention, Action, Completion.
49
What is the "basis" in the context of a karmic action?
The basis is the object or subject towards which the action is directed (e.g., a living being in the case of killing, an object in the case of stealing).
50
What is the "intention" in the context of a karmic action?
The intention is the mental factor, the volition or motivation, that drives the physical or verbal action. It is the most crucial factor in determining karmic weight.
51
What is the "action" in the context of a karmic path?
The action is the physical or verbal deed performed based on the intention.
52
What is the "completion" in the context of a karmic path?
The completion is the final stage of the action, achieving the intended outcome (e.g., the act of killing successfully ending a life).
53
Is it possible for an action to create completing karma without being a projecting karma?
Yes, actions may lack one or more of the four branches necessary for projecting karma but still leave imprints that ripen as completing karma.
54
How does individual karma contribute to collective karma?
Individual karmic actions performed by many beings with similar intentions or towards similar objects can contribute to shared environmental or societal experiences.
55
Give an example of collective karma.
Experiencing the positive conditions of living in a peaceful and prosperous country, or the negative conditions of war, natural disaster, or poverty.
56
Are all actions performed by individuals purely individual in their ripening?
No, the ripening of individual karma can be influenced by the collective karma of the environment or group one is born into.
57
What makes an action "naturally nonvirtuous"?
Its harmful nature is intrinsic and causes suffering regardless of the specific context or the agent's understanding.
58
What makes an action "proscribed"?
Its nonvirtuousness arises from violating a specific vow or commitment, such as a monastic rule or bodhisattva vow, that one has taken.
59
Give an example of a naturally nonvirtuous action.
Taking the life of another being (killing).
60
Give an example of a proscribed action for a monastic.
Eating solid food after noon (if they have taken that precept).
61
Is it possible for a naturally nonvirtuous action to be performed without the intention for projecting karma?
Yes, one might accidentally kill an insect without any intention, which creates completing karma but not a full projecting karma.
62
What is the function of intention karma?
It is the mental energy or drive that initiates and sustains an action.
63
What is "intended karma"?
It refers to the physical or verbal action itself, as it is performed with a specific intention.
64
Can mental karma ripen as future experiences?
Yes, even thoughts that do not manifest physically or verbally leave karmic imprints that can ripen, especially strong or repetitive thoughts.
65
How does mental karma contribute to future states of mind?
Repeated virtuous mental states (like compassion) create tendencies for future virtuous minds; negative mental states (like jealousy) create tendencies for future negative minds.
66
What is physical karma?
Karma created through actions of the body.
67
What is verbal karma?
Karma created through actions of speech.
68
Give three examples of nonvirtuous physical karma.
Killing, stealing, sexual misconduct.
69
Give four examples of nonvirtuous verbal karma.
Lying, divisive speech, harsh words, idle chatter.
70
What is meant by "perceptible forms" in relation to karmic actions?
The outward, observable manifestation of a physical action.
71
What is meant by "imperceptible forms" in relation to karmic actions?
The subtle karmic potency or imprint left on the mindstream by an action, which is not physically visible.
72
Where are karmic imprints (imperceptible forms) stored or carried?
They are carried on the mindstream (consciousness continuum) from one moment to the next and across lifetimes.
73
What is the defining characteristic of "gloomy" karmas?
They are nonvirtuous actions performed under the influence of afflictions like ignorance, attachment, and aversion.
74
What kind of results do gloomy karmas bring?
Suffering, undesirable experiences, and rebirth in lower realms.
75
What is the defining characteristic of "bright" karmas?
They are virtuous actions performed with a positive motivation, often rooted in non-attachment, non-aversion, and wisdom.
76
What kind of results do bright karmas bring?
Happiness, favorable experiences, and rebirth in higher realms.
77
What are the four types of results that ripen from a completed karmic action?
The ripening result, the result similar to the cause in terms of experience, the result similar to the cause in terms of action, and the environmental result.
78
What is the "ripening result" of a nonvirtuous projecting karma?
Rebirth in a lower realm (hell, hungry ghost, animal).
79
What is the "ripening result" of a virtuous projecting karma?
Rebirth in a higher realm (human, god).
80
What is the "result similar to the cause in terms of experience"?
Experiencing things similar to what you inflicted on others (e.g., if you stole, you may experience being robbed).
81
What is the "result similar to the cause in terms of action"?
Having the tendency to repeat the action you performed (e.g., if you lied, you will have a strong inclination to lie again).
82
What is the "environmental result"?
The effect of your karma on the environment you experience (e.g., stealing might lead to being born in a poor, deprived environment).
83
Give an example of the ripening result of killing.
Rebirth in a hell realm or as an animal.
84
Give an example of the result similar to the cause in terms of experience from killing.
Being killed or having a short life.
85
Give an example of the result similar to the cause in terms of action from killing.
Having a strong propensity to take the lives of others.
86
Give an example of the environmental result from killing.
Being born in a dangerous or violent environment.
87
Give an example of the ripening result of protecting life.
Rebirth as a human or god.
88
Give an example of the result similar to the cause in terms of experience from protecting life.
Experiencing a long and healthy life.
89
Give an example of the result similar to the cause in terms of action from protecting life.
Having a strong propensity to help and protect others.
90
Give an example of the environmental result from protecting life.
Being born in a safe and peaceful environment.
91
What are the ten naturally nonvirtuous actions?
Killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, divisive speech, harsh words, idle chatter, covetousness, malice, wrong views.
92
What are the three nonvirtuous actions of the body?
Killing, stealing, sexual misconduct.
93
What are the four nonvirtuous actions of speech?
Lying, divisive speech, harsh words, idle chatter.
94
What are the three nonvirtuous actions of the mind?
Covetousness, malice, wrong views.
95
What is covetousness (mental nonvirtue)?
Strongly desiring what belongs to others and plotting to acquire it.
96
What is malice (mental nonvirtue)?
Wishing harm upon others.
97
What are wrong views (mental nonvirtue)?
Holding beliefs that contradict reality or the principles of karma and emptiness, particularly denying the law of cause and effect.
98
What are the ten virtuous actions?
Protecting life, generosity, practicing ethical sexual conduct, truthful speech, amiable speech, gentle speech, meaningful speech, contentment, kindness (lack of malice), holding correct views.
99
What are the three virtuous actions of the body?
Protecting life, generosity, practicing ethical sexual conduct.
100
What are the four virtuous actions of speech?
Truthful speech, amiable speech, gentle speech, meaningful speech.
101
What are the three virtuous actions of the mind?
Contentment, kindness (lack of malice), holding correct views.
102
What is the result of lying?
Being deceived, having unclear communication, or having a bad reputation.
103
What is the result of divisive speech?
Losing friends, being separated from loved ones, or being born in a fragmented society.
104
What is the result of harsh words?
Hearing unpleasant sounds, being criticized, or experiencing conflict.
105
What is the result of idle chatter?
Having no influence, being ignored, or being born in a place where speech is meaningless.
106
What is the result of covetousness?
Not achieving one's goals, facing obstacles, or being born in poverty.
107
What is the result of malice?
Experiencing fear, illness, or violence, or being born in a hostile environment.
108
What is the result of wrong views?
Being confused, lacking clarity, or being born in a situation where it is difficult to encounter the Dharma.
109
What is the result of truthful speech?
Being trusted, having clear communication, or having a good reputation.
110
What is the result of amiable speech?
Gaining friends, being united with loved ones, or being born in a harmonious society.
111
What is the result of gentle speech?
Hearing pleasant sounds, being praised, or experiencing peace.
112
What is the result of meaningful speech?
Having influence, being heard, or being born in a place where the Dharma flourishes.
113
What is the result of contentment (lack of covetousness)?
Achieving one's goals easily, overcoming obstacles, or being born into wealth.
114
What is the result of kindness (lack of malice)?
Experiencing safety, health, and peace, or being born in a friendly environment.
115
What is the result of holding correct views?
Having clarity, gaining wisdom, or being born in a situation conducive to Dharma practice.
116
Are the results of karma fixed or can they be influenced?
While causes produce effects, the ripening can be influenced by other conditions and by purification practices.
117
What are the four opponent powers for purifying destructive karma?
Regret, Reliance, Application of the Antidote, and the Promise Not to Repeat.
118
Explain the opponent power of "Regret".
Acknowledging the harm done by a nonvirtuous action and feeling sincere remorse, without guilt or self-pity.
119
Explain the opponent power of "Reliance".
Taking refuge in the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) and generating bodhicitta.
120
Explain the opponent power of "Application of the Antidote".
Engaging in virtuous activities that counteract the negative karma, such as meditation on emptiness, cultivating compassion, prostrations, or reading Dharma texts.
121
Explain the opponent power of the "Promise Not to Repeat".
Making a firm determination to avoid repeating the nonvirtuous action in the future, even if the resolve is temporary.
122
Does purifying karma mean the karmic imprint is destroyed?
Purification weakens the potential of the karmic imprint to ripen and can sometimes prevent it from ripening at all or significantly reduce its severity.
123
Can negative karma be purified completely?
Through diligent practice, especially the realization of emptiness, negative karmic imprints can be completely eradicated.
124
Is karma a form of external judgment or punishment?
No, karma is a natural law of cause and effect, an internal process within the mindstream, not administered by an external deity.
125
Who is responsible for the karma created?
The individual who performed the action based on their intention is responsible for the karmic imprint.
126
Can someone else purify my negative karma for me?
While others can create positive conditions or offer prayers, ultimately, purification is an internal process that the individual must undertake through their own practice.
127
Does good karma cancel out bad karma?
It is more accurate to say that virtuous actions create positive imprints that ripen as happiness, and purification weakens negative imprints. They don't simply cancel each other out like positive and negative numbers.
128
What determines the strength or weight of a karmic action?
The strength of the intention, the nature of the action itself, the object towards which the action is directed, and the frequency or habit of the action.
129
How does the strength of intention affect karma?
A strong, deliberate intention creates a much stronger karmic imprint than a weak or accidental one.
130
How does the nature of the action affect karma?
Naturally nonvirtuous actions generally create heavier karma than proscribed actions. Among naturally nonvirtuous actions, killing is considered the heaviest.
131
How does the object of the action affect karma?
Actions directed towards objects with greater qualities (like enlightened beings or one's parents) or greater suffering (like beings in distress) tend to have stronger karmic results.
132
How does frequency affect karma?
Repeatedly performing an action, whether virtuous or nonvirtuous, strengthens the karmic imprint and the tendency to repeat it.
133
What are the three doors through which karma is created?
Body, speech, and mind.
134
Which of the three doors is considered the most significant for creating karma?
Mind (intention), as it underlies and motivates physical and verbal actions.
135
Does karma operate only within a single lifetime?
No, karmic imprints are carried on the mindstream from one life to the next, and results can ripen over many lifetimes.
136
What is the relationship between karma and rebirth?
Projecting karma determines the realm of rebirth, and completing karma shapes the experiences within that rebirth.
137
Is everything that happens to us a direct result of our past karma?
While karma is a primary factor, experiences also arise from immediate causes and conditions in the present life.
138
Does understanding karma lead to fatalism?
No, understanding karma emphasizes responsibility and the power of present actions to shape the future, promoting agency rather than resignation.
139
How does the concept of karma relate to dependent arising?
Karma is a prime example of dependent arising – actions (causes) arise dependently and give rise to experiences (effects) dependently.
140
How does understanding emptiness deepen our understanding of karma?
Understanding emptiness reveals that the agent, action, and result are not inherently existent but arise in dependence, freeing us from grasping at a solid, independent self creating or experiencing karma.
141
Can someone attain liberation if they still have negative karmic imprints?
Yes, liberation is attained by eradicating the root of samsara (ignorance and its resulting afflictions), which purifies karmic imprints.
142
What is the role of accumulating merit in the path to liberation and awakening?
Accumulating merit through virtuous actions creates the positive energy and conditions necessary to support the development of wisdom and compassion on the path.
143
How does karma relate to the First Noble Truth (Suffering)?
Our experiences of suffering are the ripening results of past nonvirtuous karma.
144
How does karma relate to the Second Noble Truth (Origin of Suffering)?
The origin of suffering is karma motivated by afflictions (ignorance, attachment, aversion).
145
How does karma relate to the Third Noble Truth (Cessation of Suffering)?
The cessation of suffering is achieved by ceasing the causes of suffering, including the creation of negative karma and purifying existing imprints.
146
How does karma relate to the Fourth Noble Truth (Path to the Cessation of Suffering)?
The path involves purifying negative karma, creating positive karma, and developing wisdom to overcome the ignorance that drives karmic creation.
147
What is the primary focus for an initial-level practitioner regarding karma?
To understand karmic cause and effect sufficiently to avoid nonvirtuous actions and practice virtuous actions, aiming for a favorable rebirth.
148
Why is a favorable rebirth important for an initial-level practitioner?
A favorable rebirth, like a human life with freedoms and endowments, provides the best opportunity to practice the Dharma and progress on the path.
149
Does the initial-level practitioner aim for liberation?
While their ultimate aim may be liberation or awakening, their immediate focus regarding karma is on improving their situation within samsara.
150
What motivates the initial-level practitioner to practice virtuous karma?
Primarily, the desire for happiness and aversion to suffering in this life and future lives within samsara.
151
Is it possible to create karma unintentionally?
While intention is key, actions still leave imprints. However, unintentional actions generally create weaker karma than intentional ones.
152
Does the result of karma always ripen immediately?
No, karmic results can ripen in this life, the next life, or many lifetimes in the future, depending on the strength and conditions.
153
Can the same action performed by different people have different karmic weights?
Yes, due to differences in intention, motivation, and the object of the action.
154
What is the karmic result of criticizing or harming a Dharma teacher or highly realized being?
Actions directed towards such exalted objects are said to create extremely heavy negative karma.
155
What is the karmic result of making offerings or showing respect to the Three Jewels?
Actions directed towards such exalted objects create extremely powerful positive karma.
156
Can an action be considered purely virtuous if the motivation is mixed (e.g., giving with attachment to praise)?
While still creating some positive potential, the mixed motivation weakens the purity and strength of the virtuous karma.
157
What is the heaviest of the ten nonvirtuous actions?
Killing, especially the killing of a human.
158
What is the result of stealing?
Poverty, loss of possessions, or being cheated.
159
What is the result of sexual misconduct?
Difficulties in relationships, conflict, or being born in unpleasant circumstances.
160
What is the result of being generous?
Wealth, abundance, or having one's needs met.
161
What is the result of practicing ethical sexual conduct?
Harmony in relationships, attractiveness, or being born in pleasant circumstances.
162
What is the mental karma of covetousness?
Developing strong attachment and desire for others' possessions.
163
What is the mental karma of malice?
Developing strong aversion and ill-will towards others.
164
What is the mental karma of wrong views?
Reinforcing ignorance and hindering the development of wisdom.
165
What is the mental karma of contentment?
Cultivating inner peace and satisfaction.
166
What is the mental karma of kindness?
Cultivating love and compassion for others.
167
What is the mental karma of holding correct views?
Strengthening wisdom and understanding of reality.
168
How does understanding impermanence relate to karma?
Understanding impermanence helps us see that both the self who creates karma and the experiences that ripen from it are constantly changing, reducing grasping.
169
How does understanding suffering (dukkha) relate to karma?
Understanding that suffering arises from karma motivated by afflictions motivates us to abandon nonvirtue and practice virtue.
170
How does the concept of " ripening time" apply to karma?
Different karmic imprints have different potentials for ripening, some ripening quickly and others taking a long time, influenced by conditions.
171
Can strong positive karma prevent negative karma from ripening?
Strong positive karma can act as a counter-condition, delaying or weakening the ripening of negative karma, but it does not eliminate the imprint itself unless purification is also applied.
172
What is the importance of mindfulness in relation to karma?
Mindfulness helps us become aware of our intentions, thoughts, words, and deeds in the present moment, allowing us to make conscious choices and avoid creating negative karma.
173
How does meditation help in purifying karma?
Meditation, especially on emptiness and compassion, can weaken and ultimately eradicate the root of afflictions that drive the creation of negative karma.
174
Does creating constructive karma necessarily lead to immediate happiness?
The full ripening of karma takes time and conditions, but virtuous actions often bring some immediate sense of well-being and peace of mind.
175
Does performing destructive karma necessarily lead to immediate suffering?
Similarly, the full ripening of destructive karma takes time, though negative actions can also bring immediate distress, guilt, or conflict.
176
What is the role of aspiration in the ripening of karma?
Strong aspirations made with virtuous actions can influence the way and timing of karmic ripening, directing the potential towards desired outcomes.
177
Can we dedicate the merit of our virtuous actions?
Yes, dedicating the positive potential (merit) of our virtuous actions for the benefit of all beings strengthens the karma and directs its ripening towards the goal of awakening.
178
What is the ultimate goal of understanding and working with karma in Buddhism?
To cease creating the causes of suffering and create the causes of happiness, ultimately leading to liberation from cyclic existence and the attainment of Buddhahood.
179
Is there a first cause in the cycle of karma and rebirth?
No, according to Buddhist cosmology, samsara and the cycle of karma are beginningless. Ignorance is the primary root of the cycle.
180
How does karma explain the differences in experiences among sentient beings?
The diversity of experiences among beings is the result of the ripening of their diverse individual and collective karmas accumulated over countless lifetimes.
181
Can the karma of past lives be changed or influenced in this life?
We cannot change the actions of the past, but through purification, antidotes, and creating new, strong positive karma, we can influence the ripening of past karma.
182
Does believing in karma require blind faith?
No, the principle of karma is presented as something to be examined and verified through observing cause and effect in one's own life and the world.
183
How does cultivating compassion influence karma?
Cultivating compassion is a powerful virtuous mental karma that counteracts malice and selfishness, creating causes for happiness and connection.
184
How does cultivating wisdom, particularly the wisdom of emptiness, influence karma?
Wisdom directly counteracts ignorance, the root affliction that drives the creation of suffering-causing karma. Realizing emptiness can dismantle the very basis upon which karmic imprints ripen in samsara.
185
Is it possible to run out of karma?
No, as long as ignorance and afflictions are present, sentient beings continue to create new karma. The cycle ceases only upon attaining liberation or awakening.
186
What is the difference between karma and fate?
Karma is dynamic and based on actions and intentions, allowing for change and purification. Fate implies a predetermined, unchangeable destiny.
187
Does collective karma negate individual responsibility?
No, individuals are still responsible for their own actions, even within a shared collective experience.
188
Can the environment we are born into influence our karma?
Yes, the environmental result of collective karma can provide conditions that either facilitate or hinder the creation of certain types of individual karma.
189
How does taking refuge in the Three Jewels impact karma?
Taking refuge creates a strong positive connection and provides the basis for engaging in practices that purify negative karma and accumulate positive karma.
190
How does bodhicitta impact karma?
Generating bodhicitta, the intention to attain awakening for the benefit of all beings, transforms ordinary virtuous actions into powerful causes for Buddhahood and is a potent purifier of negative karma.
191
Can physical pain be the result of past karma?
Yes, physical suffering can be a ripening result of past nonvirtuous actions, particularly those involving harm to others.
192
Can mental suffering be the result of past karma?
Yes, mental suffering, such as anxiety, depression, or fear, can ripen from past negative mental karma or other nonvirtuous actions.
193
What is the importance of understanding the weight or severity of different karmic actions?
Understanding the weight helps us prioritize which nonvirtuous actions to abandon and which virtuous actions to prioritize.
194
Is the karma created by an action finished once the action is complete?
No, the karmic imprint (imperceptible form) continues on the mindstream until it ripens or is purified.
195
Can an action have multiple karmic results?
Yes, a single action can contribute to different types of results that ripen at different times.
196
Does karma affect only humans?
No, karma applies to all sentient beings in all realms of existence.
197
What is the role of intention in transforming a naturally virtuous action into a proscribed action?
A naturally virtuous action like giving might be performed with the intention to harm a precept, making it also proscribed.
198
What is the relationship between karma and cyclic existence (samsara)?
Karma is the driving force that perpetuates cyclic existence; the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is fueled by karmic actions and their ripening.
199
How does stopping the creation of new karma lead to liberation?
When the afflictions motivating karma are overcome, new karma that binds one to samsara is no longer created, and existing imprints can be purified.
200
What is the significance of the present moment in the context of karma?
The present moment is where we create new karma and have the opportunity to influence the ripening of past karma through purification and positive action.
201
Does karma explain all phenomena in the universe?
In the Buddhist view, while karma explains the experiences of sentient beings and the environments they inhabit, it doesn't explain the fundamental physical laws of the universe (though karma operates within those laws).
202
What is the subtle difference between intended karma and completion of the action?
Intended karma is the deed itself; completion is the successful conclusion of that deed according to the intention. For a karmic path to be complete, the intended action must be successfully completed.
203
How does the principle of karma relate to ethical conduct?
Understanding karma provides a rational basis for ethical conduct, as virtuous actions lead to happiness and nonvirtuous actions lead to suffering.
204
Can good intentions alone create positive karma without physical or verbal action?
Yes, strong, virtuous mental intentions create positive mental karma, though physical and verbal actions often amplify the karmic force.
205
Can harmful physical or verbal actions be performed without negative intention?
Yes, actions can be accidental, but if there is no negative intention, the karmic weight is much less, and it may not constitute a full projecting karma.
206
What is the role of regret in purifying karma?
Regret weakens the power of the karmic imprint by disrupting the mental connection to the harmful action.
207
Why is relying on the Three Jewels an opponent power?
Taking refuge strengthens one's connection to the path and creates positive energy that counteracts negative karma.
208
Why is meditating on emptiness an opponent power?
Realizing emptiness undermines the very basis of karmic suffering by revealing the lack of inherent existence in the self, actions, and results.
209
Why is cultivating compassion an opponent power?
Compassion is a powerful antidote to the self-centeredness and aversion that motivate much negative karma.
210
How does the promise not to repeat an action help in purification?
It reinforces the intention to abandon the nonvirtuous path and strengthens the resolve to act virtuously in the future.
211
Can purification practices eliminate the result similar to the cause in terms of action?
Yes, purification weakens the tendency to repeat the negative action.
212
Can purification practices eliminate the environmental result of negative karma?
Yes, strong purification can mitigate or eliminate the environmental consequences.
213
Is it possible to experience a result from karma created in a previous lifetime without remembering the action?
Yes, karmic imprints are carried on the mindstream even if conscious memory of the past life is absent.
214
How does the concept of karma relate to suffering in the animal realm?
Suffering in the animal realm is a ripening result of negative projecting karma, and their actions in that state also create karma within that realm.
215
How does the concept of karma relate to suffering in the hell realms?
Experiencing suffering in the hell realms is the ripening result of extremely heavy negative projecting karma.
216
How does the concept of karma relate to suffering in the hungry ghost realm?
Suffering in the hungry ghost realm is a ripening result of karma driven by extreme attachment and miserliness.
217
Do beings in the formless realms create karma?
Beings in the formless realms primarily create mental karma through their deep states of concentration, but they do not create physical or verbal karma.
218
What kind of karma leads to rebirth in the formless realms?
Karma associated with the attainment of formless absorptions (arupadhyanas) through meditation.
219
What kind of karma leads to rebirth in the form realms?
Karma associated with the attainment of form absorptions (rupadhyanas) through meditation.
220
What kind of karma leads to rebirth in the desire realm (including human, animal, hungry ghost, hell, and some god realms)?
Karma motivated by desire, aversion, and ignorance, encompassing the ten nonvirtuous and ten virtuous actions.
221
How does understanding karma motivate the initial-level practitioner to practice ethics?
They see that practicing ethical conduct leads to happiness and avoiding non-ethical conduct leads to suffering, in this life and future lives.
222
How does understanding karma motivate the initial-level practitioner to practice generosity?
They see that generosity creates causes for wealth and abundance.
223
How does understanding karma relate to the practice of patience?
Practicing patience helps prevent the creation of negative karma driven by anger and aversion.
224
How does understanding karma relate to the practice of joyous effort?
Understanding the positive results of virtuous actions motivates one to make effort in practicing them.
225
How does understanding karma relate to the practice of concentration?
Concentration helps to control the mind, reducing the power of afflictions that drive negative karma and enhancing the power of virtuous intentions.
226
How does understanding karma relate to the practice of wisdom?
Wisdom, particularly the understanding of emptiness, is the ultimate antidote to the ignorance that is the root of karmic suffering.
227
Can an action have both virtuous and nonvirtuous aspects in its motivation?
Yes, a complex action can be driven by a mix of motivations, leading to a mix of karmic results.
228
What is the most powerful type of purification practice?
Practices that involve the application of all four opponent powers, especially those that involve the realization of emptiness and the generation of bodhicitta.
229
Does confessing a nonvirtuous action to another person purify the karma?
Confession, especially to a qualified being or before images of the enlightened ones, is a powerful aid to purification by activating regret and reliance, but it is part of the four opponent powers, not a standalone purification.
230
Can offering prayers for others influence their karma?
While the ripening of karma is individual, the positive energy generated by sincere prayers and virtuous actions can create favorable conditions that may help others mitigate negative circumstances or create positive karma.
231
What is the karmic result of rejoicing in the virtues of others?
Creating positive karma similar to the virtue you are rejoicing in.
232
What is the karmic result of envying the virtues or happiness of others?
Creating negative karma that leads to experiencing lack or unhappiness.
233
What is the karmic result of criticizing or discouraging others from practicing virtue?
Creating negative karma that hinders one's own spiritual progress and creates obstacles.
234
What is the karmic result of encouraging or supporting others in practicing virtue?
Creating positive karma that supports one's own spiritual progress and creates favorable conditions.
235
Does karma mean that we are powerless to change our circumstances?
No, karma means our circumstances are a result of causes, and by changing the causes (our actions and intentions), we can change the results (our future experiences).
236
What is the relationship between karma and free will?
Karma operates based on our volitional actions (driven by intention), which implies a degree of free will in choosing our actions, though our choices are also influenced by past karma and conditioning.
237
Can an action be karmically neutral?
Some actions, performed without clear intention or strong affliction, may be considered karmically neutral, not planting significant seeds for future happiness or suffering.
238
What is the importance of understanding the results similar to the cause?
It helps us see the direct connection between our actions and our experiences and motivates us to avoid harmful actions and cultivate beneficial ones.
239
How does training the mind influence the creation of karma?
Training the mind to reduce afflictions (like anger and attachment) and increase virtuous states (like compassion and wisdom) directly reduces the creation of negative karma and increases the creation of positive karma.
240
How does mindfulness of death relate to the practice of karma?
Contemplating death reminds us of the urgency of practicing virtuous karma and purifying nonvirtuous karma before our precious human life is over.
241
What is the seed or imprint left on the mindstream by a karmic action called?
A karmic potency or karmic seed.
242
How does the potential of a karmic seed ripen?
When the appropriate conditions are met, the karmic seed matures and produces its corresponding result.
243
Can conditions prevent a karmic seed from ripening?
Yes, unfavorable conditions can prevent or delay ripening, and powerful antidotes (like purification and realizing emptiness) can destroy the seed's potential.
244
What is the difference between ripening karma and creating new karma?
Ripening karma is the experience of past actions; creating new karma is performing actions in the present moment that will have future results.
245
Is it possible to exhaust all negative karma?
Yes, through diligent purification practices and the realization of emptiness, all negative karmic imprints can be purified.
246
Is it possible to exhaust all positive karma?
No, virtuous karma leads towards liberation and Buddhahood, which are states beyond the limitations of samsaric ripening.
247
How does the subtle energy system relate to karmic ripening in some Vajrayana explanations?
In higher tantra, the ripening of karma is sometimes explained in relation to the channels and energies within the body, though this is a more advanced topic.
248
Does karma explain differences in physical appearance?
Yes, completing karma can influence physical attributes and attractiveness.
249
Does karma explain differences in intelligence?
Yes, completing karma can influence mental capacities and intelligence.
250
Does karma explain differences in social status?
Yes, completing karma can influence one's social standing and influence.
251
What is the most important factor to consider when creating karma?
Intention or motivation.
252
What is the ultimate goal of practicing ethics according to the Mahayana path?
To purify one's mind and create the causes for Buddhahood to benefit all sentient beings.
253
How does karma relate to the Buddhist principle of non-harming (ahimsa)?
Non-harming is a fundamental ethical principle that directly leads to creating positive karma and avoiding negative karma related to taking life or causing harm.
254
What is the relationship between karma and reincarnation?
Reincarnation (or more accurately, rebirth) is the process through which karmic imprints are carried on the mindstream from one life to the next, leading to subsequent existences based on past actions.
255
Is karma about predestination?
No, it is about cause and effect; our present actions create future results, giving us agency.
256
Can the results of collective karma be experienced by someone who did not contribute to it?
While the primary experience is for those who created the cause, one might be born into an environment shaped by collective karma and thus experience its conditions.
257
What is the significance of dedication of merit in working with karma?
Dedicating merit enhances the positive karma and directs its ripening towards specific goals, especially the enlightenment of oneself and others.
258
Can visualizing light and purifying negativities help purify karma?
Yes, visualization and meditation practices are powerful methods within the application of the antidote and can help weaken negative karmic imprints.
259
How does realizing the selfless nature of phenomena (emptiness of phenomena) impact karmic ripening?
Realizing the emptiness of phenomena further undermines the misapprehension of reality that fuels karmic creation and ripening in samsara.
260
How does realizing the selfless nature of the person (emptiness of self) impact karmic ripening?
Realizing the emptiness of the person is crucial for dismantling the root of ignorance and attachment to a solid, independent self that creates and experiences karma.
261
What is the primary difference between the karmic causes for samsara and the karmic causes for nirvana?
Karmic causes for samsara are driven by ignorance and afflictions, leading to suffering. Karmic causes for nirvana are driven by wisdom and compassion, leading to liberation.
262
Does karma continue to operate for an enlightened being (a Buddha)?
A Buddha has purified all negative karma and is no longer bound by the cycle of samsaric karma and its ripening results of suffering. Their actions are spontaneous and motivated purely by compassion.
