Karma

The principle linking action to consequence, understood differently across Indian traditions.

interpretation. Interpretation — one way of reading the material among several.
Tradition: hinduism Tradition: buddhism Tradition: jainism Theme: ethics Theme: karma Theme: metaphysics

Karma is, at its simplest, the idea that actions have consequences. Beyond that shared starting point, traditions diverge sharply on how the mechanism works and what it applies to.

Not a single doctrine

This archive treats karma as a concept with variants, not a settled law. In some frameworks it is primarily ethical; in others it is bound up with rebirth and liberation; in Jain thought it takes on a nota

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Sources & further reading

Related in the archive

Text

The Bhagavad Gita

A 700-verse philosophical dialogue set within the Mahabharata, addressing duty, action, and the nature of the self.

Concept

Dharma

A cluster of ideas around duty, order, and right conduct that is understood differently across Indian traditions.

Concept

Moksha

Liberation or release, framed as the ultimate aim in several Indian traditions — with each defining what it means differently.

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Next → Moksha Liberation or release, framed as the ultimate aim in several Indian traditions — with each defining what it means differently.