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…
