(Skt., Chn. 因果 yinguo; 因果報應 yinguo baoying): The universal law of cause and effect. One reaps what one sows. Karma is commonly used to refer to the cause, the effect, and the intricate relationship between the two. It is an extremely intricate and complex fabric of causes and effects over previous and present lifetimes, and thus the Buddha states that karma is inconceivable. Karma may either be good (white) or bad (black). The term transgression generally refers to the “cause” or creation of karma, often in a negative sense, such as violations of precepts and other negative deeds that one might commit. Retribution generally refers to the “effect” of karma, i.e. the consequences of past deeds, thoughts, and speech. Everything that occurs is a result of karma, determined by all sorts of past actions, speech, and thoughts, throughout many lifetimes. For example, the people or situations one encounters, one’s limitations, health, wealth, race, gender, and even aspects like changing gender are all karmic. Fate and destiny are also a manifestation of karma. The only way to change one’s karma is through spiritual cultivation, as stated in the Vajra Sutra Exposition. Also, a tremendous amount of good deeds done in the present life can change one’s karma for the better, and vice versa, horrendous bad deeds will make it worse. See also affinity.
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