Karma is action

Karma is the Sanskrit word for action; encompassing the action itself, as well as the results of the action. If one hurts another, the action may vanish when the event is over, but the physical and emotional consequences remain, and go on to influence many other factors in a chain of events. Karma is action that creates an influence over future events in one’s life. It is created by the three categories of action of our thoughts, words, and deeds.

We can understand fairly easily about the relationship of cause and effect in the present. For example, those involved in sports or music will get good results if they exercise and practice. This is a simple example of cause and effect in one’s present life. However, the principle of karma in Buddhism goes beyond just one’s present life. In Buddhism, results that manifest in one’s present life can be due to behavior in past lives. This principle also extends into the future as well.

If you wish to know the causes you have accumulated in the past [in your past existences], look at the effects that are manifested in the present. And if you wish to know the effects that will be manifested in the future, look at the causes you are accumulating in the present…”

(Gosho, p. 571)

If you wish to know the causes you have accumulated in the past [in your past existences], look at the effects that are manifested in the present. And if you wish to know the effects that will be manifested in the future, look at the causes you are accumulating in the present…”

(Gosho, p. 571)

The life into which one was born is a current manifestation of karma created in past lives. The results of one’s actions in the present will reveal themselves in one’s future. Buddhism, however, is not a teaching of fatalism. Our karma is not a hand that we are dealt and have no control over. Karma is changeable because our actions are changeable. Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings open up our life to understand that everything is changeable. By chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo to the Gohonzon we can observe our lives, accumulate wisdom, change our karma, and build a strong life force that enables us to overcome difficulties and establish true happiness in our lives.