Quote:
Originally Posted by Niall
Karma is one of the principles of Buddhism though  |
Indeed it is but the Buddhist concept of karma is a lot different to what new age potatoes in the west describe as Karma.
In the west they think if you are good, good things will happen in your life and conversely bad thingswill happen if you are bad. While there is a little of that in the Buddhist idea its not just cause and effect related.
The Buddhist concept is closely tied in with rebirth and reincarnation, and rewards or status in a later life from actions or intent in this life.
Good or skillful karma comes from giving, unselfishness, mindfulness whereas bad karma or unskillfull comes from greed hatred and ignorance.
Karma comes from actions speech and thought. And it can be weighted. You earn more unskilled by being bad to good people, etc.
A similar belief is also held in Hinduism.
In both religions by becoming enlightened or attain supreme consciousness you will overcome karma.