The Concept of Karma and Buddhist Cosmology: A Study in the Early Buddhist Context Cuong Le Dinh* Global Ph.D. Research Scholar, School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religions, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, India *Email id: azad.nanda.phd@nalandauniv.edu.in
Online Published on 04 May, 2023. Abstract The concept of karma (kamma) is usually seen as a religious philosophy. The different religions have explained the concept of karma differently, basing up on their principles and spiritual understanding. Karma is a fundamental concept in Buddhism, which is closely interrelated to other main teachings of the Buddha, such as the Four Noble Truths (Cattāri Ariyasaccāni), Noble Eightfold Path (Ariya Aṭṭhaṅgika Magga), and Dependent Origination (Paṭiccasamuppāda). These teachings lead a person to liberation from suffering and attaining an Arhat (Arahant). This article will study three effects or results of karma, including immediate, later, and future effects. The result of karma depends on the degree of volition connected to six roots (mula): three unwholesome factors (akusala-mula) (hatred, greed, and ignorance) and three wholesome factors (kusala-mula) (non-hatred, non-greed, and non-ignorance). These six roots influence one’s karma which leads towards the karma result. Moreover, one’s birth in a certain fortunate environment or realm will depend on one’s karma because karma and cosmology are interrelated. The paper will discuss how rebirth relates to the cause of action of one’s past life and how future life can be influenced by one’s present actions. The importance of karma’s result is the reflection condition that allows one to seek the right path in cultivation. Top Keywords Karma, Rebirth, Buddhism, Cosmology, Dhamma, Saṃsāra. Top |