Significance of Law of karma
The Law of karma, as described across various traditions including Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Mahayana, emphasizes that actions have consequences that influence future circumstances. This principle asserts that every deed, whether virtuous or non-virtuous, shapes one's current and future existence, guiding experiences like rebirth and moral standing. It reflects a cause-and-effect relationship that underscores the importance of performing actions without selfish motives. Ultimately, understanding the Law of karma is crucial for achieving a just and meaningful life.
Synonyms: Principle of cause and effect, Cycle of karma, Action and reaction, Law of cause and effect, Moral causation, Principle of karma
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Law of karma'
The Law of Karma in Buddhism emphasizes that actions, intentions, and thoughts influence future experiences and rebirths. It establishes a cause-and-effect relationship where virtuous deeds yield happiness, while non-virtuous deeds result in suffering.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary by Hsuan Hua)
(1) The principle of cause and effect that governs the actions of beings and their corresponding outcomes.[1] (2) The principle by which actions, intentions, and thoughts create corresponding results in experience, guiding the manifestations of consciousness.[2] (3) The principle dictating the experience of seeing and its variations, which is determined by the past actions of living beings.[3] (4) The principle dictating how experiences of emptiness are conditioned by karmic actions and their effects.[4] (5) The principle that dictates the experiences and consequences one faces, implied as a foundational truth behind the occurrence of wind.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The principle that actions have consequences, where virtuous actions lead to happiness and non-virtuous actions lead to suffering.[6] (2) The principle of cause and effect in Buddhist philosophy, which explains how actions lead to consequences, can only be fully understood by an enlightened buddha.[7] (3) The law of cause and effect, which emphasizes that virtuous deeds lead to happiness while non-virtuous deeds lead to suffering.[8]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) The concept of cause and effect that governs moral actions, which is recognized in Mahayana but subordinate to the law of compassion.[9] (2) The law of karma is an essential concept in Hinayana, emphasizing that actions have consequences affecting future rebirths.[10]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The principle that dictates the relationship between one's actions and their consequences in future lives, governing the experiences of the damned in hell.[11] (2) The principle governing the cause-and-effect relationship of actions, which impacts the rebirth and conditions in the cycle of existence.[12]
From: The Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The principle that one's actions have corresponding consequences in this life and beyond.[13]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) The principle that actions have consequences, influencing future experiences and rebirths.[14]
Hindu concept of 'Law of karma'
The Law of Karma in Hinduism illustrates the cause-and-effect relationship governing actions, emphasizing that every deed, motivated by duty rather than selfishness, influences future circumstances and shapes one’s current and future experiences based on past actions.
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The principle that dictates the consequences of one's actions, which determines their future rebirths and experiences.[15] (2) The principle that actions have consequences, which accumulate over time and shape the experiences of the self.[16] (3) The principle that actions (karma) have consequences, which cannot be dismissed except through the experience of their results.[17] (4) The principle that past actions (good and bad) of an individual dictate the quality of experiences in the current life.[18] (5) The principle that governs the consequences of actions, leading to the experience of pleasure and pain based on one's past deeds.[19]
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) The moral principle that every action has consequences, which is a recurring theme in stories discussing previous lives in various traditions.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The principle that actions have consequences, which guides Rama's understanding of justice and truth.[21]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The belief that every action has consequences, influencing future circumstances based on past deeds.[22]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The principle of cause and effect governing actions, which dictates that one must act in accordance with their duty without selfish motives.[23]
From: The Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) An important concept in philosophy that deals with the moral principle of cause and effect.[24]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) The principle stating that an individual's actions (karmas) dictate their future circumstances, including birth and experiences.[25] (2) A doctrine that emphasizes the principle of 'as you sow, so shall you reap', highlighting the consequences of one's actions at both physical and mental levels.[26]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) A principle stating that an individual's actions and desires dictate the pace of their spiritual progress and contribute to their future circumstances and experiences.[27] (2) The principle that all actions have consequences, which may not be immediately apparent but will manifest in due time.[28]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The law of Karma is a principle suggesting that the actions of individuals influence their future conditions and experiences, indicating a system of moral cause and effect.[29] (2) A distinct principle that states that the actions performed in previous lives determine the nature of each being's existence in their current life.[30]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The principle that actions have consequences, which the teachers and students became entangled in due to their temporary endeavors.[31]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The principle that actions (Karma) yield results, particularly for ordinary people who are bound by their deeds.[32]
The concept of 'Law of karma' in local and regional sources
The Law of Karma indicates that one's actions, like charitable giving, significantly influence their future and moral status, emphasizing the interconnectedness of deeds and their repercussions in life.
From: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) A spiritual principle suggesting that one's actions, such as the giving of charity, have consequences that affect one's life and moral standing.[33]