Oakville Zen Meditation
KARMA In Zen Buddhism, Karma is a central concept referring to intentional action of body, speech, or thought that is driven by decision (cetanā), leading to future consequences. The term itself comes from the Sanskrit word for "action" or "doing," and in the Buddhist context, it specifically denotes volitional actions, meaning they are done deliberately, not accidentally.
6 Key aspects of Karma:
1. Conscious intentional action is central:
Unlike some popular interpretations, in Buddhism, it is not simply any action that creates karma, but action motivated by conscious intention. As the Buddha stated, “ Intention (cetana), I tell you, is karma. Intending, one does karma by way of body, speech, and intellect.” The moral quality—good, bad, or neutral—of the intention determines the karmic result.
2- The law of cause and effect:
Karma operates as a law of moral causation: intentional actions sow "seeds" that will eventually ripen into corresponding results. Good intentions and actions lead to beneficial results and happiness, while harmful intentions and actions lead to suffering. “The moralistic words: You reap what you sow” are common in many religions.
3– Karma is essentially individualistic, but may be collective: i.e., one individual’s action affecting many.
4- Karma and rebirth:
Karma plays a critical role in the cycle of rebirth (samsara). The accumulated intentional actions of a being determine the circumstances of future rebirths. Liberation from this cycle is achieved by purifying the mind, overcoming ignorance, desire, and hatred, and ceasing to generate new karma.
5- Not just based on past actions:
Karma encompasses both past and present actions. Present experiences are shaped by both previous and current intentional actions. The emphasis is on present responsibility: by changing one’s intentions and actions now, one can shape her/his future experiences
6- No external judgment or control:
Happiness and suffering are not rewards or punishments decided by a divine supernatural being, but results from our human intentional actions.
Common misconceptions about karma:
1- Not fatalist: Karma is not fate or predestination. It is a dynamic process, and individuals have the power to change their karma through mindful, proper, ethical, intentional actions, and the respect of the Noble 8-fold Path. 2- Not a simple redistribution:
The effects of karma are complex and may manifest in this life, future lives, or in subtle ways. It is not always a direct or immediate "tit-for-tat".
Liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth:
Karma is central to the Zen Buddhism understanding of why living beings remain trapped in samsara—the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth characterized by suffering, and its causes. Liberation from samsara (Nirvana) is achieved by 1- Fundamentally transforming our intentional actions of body, speech, and thought, 2- Applying the Noble 8-fold Path, and 3- Avoiding sources of suffering ( desire, hatred, illusion).
Practical applications:
Understanding karma encourages ethical living, mindfulness practice, and personal responsibility. By cultivating proper intentional actions of body, speech, and thought, one can foster positive outcomes for oneself and others, both now and in the future.
In summary, karma in Zen Buddhism is the law that conscious, intentional action triggers reactions, whatever the action is, such as what I do, say, or think. What we intentionally think, say, or do may shape our present and future experiences, and ultimately, our journey through the cycle of rebirth or not. THANKS
