What is evil and good karma?

Evil karma is due to past evil actions that cause one to be born in the three evil realms (hell, hungry ghosts, and animals).
For example, evil actions are: killing, lying, adultery, stealing... are unwholesome karma that either harms oneself, harms others, or harms both.

Good karma is: not killing, not stealing, not committing adultery; Use good intentions and good speech: do not lie, do not say divisive words, do not speak vulgar words, curse and scold, do not say useless words; Good intentions, good karma: not being greedy, not having hatred, having right views... belong to good dharma. Able to clearly know the good dharma of the desire realm, the good dharma of the form realm, the good dharma of the immaterial realm, the good dharma of the super three realms.
Thanks to that good karma, one is born in the good realms: the desire realm, the form realm, the formless realm with good results

The Law of Karma: A Deeper Dive

The passage offers a concise introduction to the concept of karma within a Dharmic framework. Here's a deeper exploration of this principle:

Karma: The Universal Law of Cause and Effect

Karma, often translated as "action," is a fundamental principle in Eastern philosophies like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It proposes a universal law of cause and effect, where our intentions and actions (positive or negative) create consequences that shape our present and future lives. This isn't a system of punishment, but rather a reflection of the interconnectedness of all things. Just as a seed grows into a plant, our actions set in motion a chain of reactions that ultimately return to us.

The Three Realms and Karmic Outcomes

The passage mentions three "evil realms" – hell, hungry ghosts, and animals – as potential destinations for negative karma. These realms represent different states of suffering caused by one's actions. Hell is a realm of intense pain and torment. Hungry ghosts are consumed by insatiable desires and can never find fulfillment. Animals are driven by instinct and lack moral agency, often facing hardship and predation.

Conversely, good karma leads to rebirth in the "good realms." The desire realm encompasses the world we experience, with its pleasures and pains. The form realm and formless realm are subtler planes of existence with varying degrees of attachment and suffering. These realms offer a more peaceful and advantageous position for spiritual progress.

Examples of Karmic Actions

The passage provides a basic list of wholesome and unwholesome actions. Here's a further breakdown:

• Unwholesome Actions:

  • Killing: This includes harming any sentient being, not just humans.
  • Stealing: Taking what is not rightfully ours.
  • Adultery: Breaking a commitment of fidelity.
  • Lying: Intentionally deceiving others.
  • Divisive Words: Speech that creates conflict or discord.
  • Vulgar Words: Offensive or disrespectful language.
  • Greed: Excessive attachment to material possessions or power.
  • Hatred: Ill-will and animosity towards oneself or others.
  • Wrong Views: Mistaken beliefs about reality and morality.

• Wholesome Actions:

  • Non-Killing: Respecting and preserving life.
  • Non-Stealing: Taking only what is rightfully ours.
  • Right Conduct: Acting with honesty, integrity, and fidelity.
  • Right Speech: Speaking truthfully, kindly, and thoughtfully.
  • Right Livelihood: Earning a living ethically without harming others.
  • Right Effort: Cultivating positive qualities and eliminating negativity.
  • Right Mindfulness: Being fully present and aware in the moment.
  • Right Concentration: Developing a focused and stable mind.
  • Generosity: Sharing what we have with others.
  • Compassion: Feeling empathy and concern for the suffering of others.
  • Wisdom: Cultivating understanding of the nature of reality and the path to liberation.

The Importance of Intention

Karma isn't just about the act itself, but also the intention behind it. An accidental bump can be different from a deliberate shove. A harsh truth told with compassion can be helpful, while a lie told to manipulate can be harmful. Cultivating good intentions is crucial for creating positive karma.

The Cycle of Rebirth

The concept of karma is closely linked with reincarnation, the belief that we are reborn into different lives based on past actions. This cycle continues until we achieve liberation from suffering. While the passage mentions specific realms, the specific destination depends on the overall balance of our karma.

Working with Karma: It's Not Deterministic

Karma isn't a rigid system of rewards and punishments. It's more like a garden; we plant the seeds (actions), nurture them (intentions), and harvest the fruits (consequences). However, just like a gardener can tend to a patch of weeds and coax them to bloom, we can work with karma to improve our future. Here's how:

• Practice Mindfulness: Become aware of your thoughts, words, and actions. Reflect on the potential consequences before acting.
• Choose Wisely: Make choices that align with your values and contribute to positive outcomes.
• Develop Compassion: By reducing negativity like greed and hatred, we naturally gravitate towards wholesome actions.
• Practice Forgiveness: Holding onto resentment creates negative karma. Learn to forgive yourself and others.
• Spiritual Practices: Engaging in meditation, prayer, or service to others can help purify negative karma and cultivate positive qualities.

Karma and Personal Responsibility

Karma empowers us by emphasizing personal responsibility. We are not victims of fate, but creators of our experiences. By understanding karma, we can make conscious choices to shape a brighter future for ourselves and others.