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Karma: Hindu versus Buddhist
The notion of karma has a long history in India. It was a well-entrenched concept long before the arrival of Buddha. It dates back to the early Vedic period (1500–500 BCE). Buddha incorporated it into his teachings. But the meaning or karma has undergone subtle and important changes in Buddha’s interpretation. One of the questions that secular and science-minded people keep asking is whether one needs to believe in karma in order to be a Buddhist. To answer that question, we must first find out what Buddha meant by “karma” when he used the term. In particular, we need to find out the difference between Buddha’s notion of karma and that of Brahmanism. They are not the same.
In the early Vedic period, karma primarily referred to ritual actions and the correct performance of these rituals to maintain cosmic order and ensure personal and communal well-being. The term “karma” comes from the Sanskrit root “kṛ,” which means “to do” or “to make.” Thus, in this early context, karma was closely associated with the efficacy of rituals (yajnas) and the results they produced. The Vedic rituals were seen as a way to communicate with the gods and secure their favor.
The understanding of karma evolves as time passes. Gradually, it loosens its connection to sacrifices and rituals and becomes associated with the individual’s ethical behavior and the fruits of his or her actions. In the Nibbedhika Sutta, Buddha said, “Intention, I tell you, is karma. Intending, one does karma by way of body, speech, and intellect.” (AN 6.63)
Thus, in Buddha’s teaching of karma, it means only “volitional action” where intention is involved. Further, karma should be distinguished from its effects. Thus, in Buddhism, karma means only volitional action and never the fruit or result of karma. The fruit of karma is called “kamma-phala.”
The most common understanding of karma is that it is a system of moral retribution. This is true not only in India, but also in other parts of the world. Moral retribution refers to the concept of imposing punishment or consequences on someone for their immoral or unethical actions. It is based on the idea that wrongdoers deserve to suffer in proportion to the harm they have caused or the moral transgressions they have committed. This notion is deeply rooted in various ethical theories and justice systems…
