Practical objective of the Law of Kamma

Practical objective of the Law of Kamma

          As kamma directly concerns what we do and how to do it, belief in the doctrine of kamma can be of great help in the way we conduct ourselves and interact with othero, as well as in our spiritual endeavor. The teachings enable us to establish a clear moral understanding based on reason and the principle of cause and effect. With confidence in the law of kamma, one develops a more realistic and rational attitude toward life and its experiences and is inspired to rely on one's ability to fulfil one's own aspirations rather than resort to prayer for extraneous assistance and support.

          The law of kamma helps us to b more convinced of our own potential and responsibilities, both personal and social. It encourages us to do what is good and to cultivate responsibility toward oneself by giving up bad habits and actions and responsibility toward others by showing them kindness and compassion. Kamma demonstrates that each and every one of us is endowed with potential for greater development. It is within our reach to create a better world, full of love and joy, or to destroy it with hatred and war. We have the choice before us. Understanding kamma helps us to make the right choice.

          Kamma truly puts us in control of our life. We can deal with our aspirations and plans and direct future course of action for our own good as well as for the good for others. This means that we are our own masters and therefore under obligation to act with utmost care and responsibility.



          Because, according to the doctrine of kamma, people should be judged by their actions, not by social status, caste, or creed, the teaching on kamma have contributed to the establishment of a universal ethical standard in which moral integrity become the norm and the measurement of a person's worth. Kamma is that " which classifies beings info coarse and refine states, " says the Buddha. He further declares " Not by birth is one an outcast, not by is one a Brahmin. By action is one an outcast, by action is one a Brahmin. "

          Belief on the doctrine of kamma is also essential in the realization of Nibbana. Man must first believe in this own potentialities and the possibility of their cultivation. Spiritual practice means that a person must strongly believe in self improvement, in removing from his or her mind all  that is bad or negative and developing what is positive and good. Without such conviction, beyond kamma, it is realized through the relinquishment of evil, kamma cultivation of the good, and the purification of mind. Belief in Kamma may almost be regarded as the be - all and end - all of spiritual discipline.

          Phra Dhammapitaka [ P.A. Payutto ] wrote that " In Buddhism, all actions should ideally arise from skilful mental qualities. A seemingly well - intentioned action can be ruined by the influence of unskilful mental states, such as anger or fear or it can be tainted through ulterior motives. On the other hand, simply to cultivate skilful mental states without resultant social action is not productive. So we can look at virtue on two levels : on the mental level we have, for example, the Four sublime States - goodwill, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity. On the second level, we have the external application of these skilful qualities, such as in the four Condition for Social Welfare ; generosity, kindly speech, rendering services and participation. These two levels of virtue are interrelated. "





By THE BUDDHA'S Core Teachings