This lesson draws its inspiration from AN 6.63, a discourse in the Pāli Canon where the Buddha outlines the six aspects of Kamma that are essential to comprehend.
Karma (Sanskrit), Kamma (Pāli) refers to the actions, intentions, and choices we make in our daily lives, and the consequences that follow from those actions. Our Kamma shapes our present and future experiences and determines our path towards happiness or suffering. To truly understand the nature of Kamma, the Buddha outlined six aspects that are essential for anyone and everyone to comprehend. In this article, we will explore these six aspects of Kamma and how they relate to our spiritual journey.
Six Aspects of Kamma to Be Understood:
(1) It is volition that is referred to as Kamma. For having willed (intentional choices/decisions), one acts by body, speech, or mind. This is free will.
(2) And what is the creation of Kamma? Contact is its creation.
(3) And what is the diversity of Kamma? There is Kamma to be experienced in hell; there is Kamma to be experienced in the animal realm; there is Kamma to be experienced in the realm of afflicted spirits; there is Kamma to be experienced in the human realm; and there is Kamma to be experienced in the heavenly realm. This is called the diversity of Kamma.
(4) And what is the result of Kamma? There are three results of Kamma that can be experienced: in this very life, in the next existence, or on some subsequent occasion. Wholesome Kamma can lead to happiness, health, and prosperity, while unwholesome Kamma can lead to suffering, illness, and misfortune. The result of Kamma is thus a powerful force that shapes our destiny and determines our future experiences.
(5) And what is the elimination of the creation of unwholesome Kamma? The Buddha taught that the creation of unwholesome Kamma can be eliminated by breaking the chain of causality. This can be achieved by eliminating the underlying causes of unwholesome Kamma, such as ignorance, craving, and aversion during contact. By developing mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion, we can uproot the causes of unwholesome Kamma and cultivate wholesome Kamma that leads to liberation from suffering and discontent.
(6) And what is the way leading to the elimination of (unwholesome) Kamma? The Buddha taught that the Noble Eightfold Path is the way leading to the elimination of unwholesome Kamma. This path includes Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. By following this path, we can develop the wisdom, morality, and concentration needed to transform our volitional processes and create wholesome Kamma that leads to liberation.
The six aspects of Kamma outlined provide a powerful framework for understanding the nature of our actions and their consequences. By cultivating awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and actions, we can gradually become more mindful and intentional in our choices, leading to wholesome Kamma. This, in turn, can have a positive impact not only on ourselves but also on those around us. As the saying goes, “If you want to change the world, change yourself.” By working on our own Kamma and cultivating wholesome intentions and actions, we can create a ripple effect that positively influences the Kamma of others.
Moreover, the concept of Kamma also highlights the interconnectedness and interdependence of all things. Our actions are not just a matter of personal preference or convenience; they have far-reaching consequences that affect not only ourselves but also the world around us. By understanding the six aspects of Kamma, we can become more mindful of our choices and their impacts, taking responsibility for our actions and cultivating positive outcomes for ourselves and others.
The first aspect of Kamma is volition or intentional choices and decisions. It is our intentions behind our actions that shape their karmic consequences. We must be mindful of our intentions, knowing that our choices have a ripple effect that extends beyond ourselves.
The second aspect of Kamma is the creation of Kamma, which occurs through contact with the world around us. By cultivating awareness of our surroundings and the impact of our actions, we can take steps to avoid negative consequences and create positive ones. We can be mindful of contact and its creation of Kamma, practice the pause, and even walk away during times of tension.
The third aspect of Kamma is the diversity of Kamma. There are many different realms of existence where Kamma can be experienced, from the lowest realms of hell and animal existence to the highest realms of heavenly existence. By understanding the diversity of Kamma, we can appreciate the vast range of experiences available to us and work to cultivate wholesome Kamma that leads to positive outcomes in this life and the next.
The fourth aspect of Kamma is the result of Kamma. Our actions have consequences that can be experienced in this life, the next, or some subsequent occasion. By understanding the results of our actions, we can take responsibility for their impacts and work to create positive outcomes for ourselves and others.
The fifth aspect of Kamma is the elimination of the creation of unwholesome Kamma. We can break the chain of causality by eliminating the underlying causes of unwholesome Kamma, such as ignorance, craving, and aversion. By developing mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion, we can uproot the causes of unwholesome Kamma and cultivate wholesome Kamma that leads to liberation from suffering.
The sixth aspect of Kamma is the way leading to the elimination of unwholesome Kamma. The Noble Eightfold Path is the way leading to the elimination of unwholesome Kamma. By following this path, we can develop the wisdom, morality, and concentration needed to transform our volitional processes and create wholesome Kamma that leads to liberation.
The six aspects of Kamma offer a powerful framework for understanding the nature of our actions and their consequences. By cultivating awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and actions, we can gradually become more mindful and intentional in our choices, leading to wholesome Kamma. This, in turn, can have a positive impact not only on ourselves but also on those around us.
A ballad summarizing the six aspects of Kamma:
Volition is the seed we sow, From which our actions start to grow. Through contact, Kamma is born, And in realms diverse it’s worn.
Kamma’s results we must embrace, In this life or in some other place. Unwholesome Kamma can be cleared, Through mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion steered.
The Noble Eightfold Path does show, The way to freedom, we must know. Right View, Intention, Speech, and Action, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness, and Concentration.
These six aspects of Kamma provide a powerful framework for understanding the nature of our actions and their consequences. By cultivating awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and actions, we can gradually become more mindful and intentional in our choices, leading to wholesome Kamma. This, in turn, can have a positive impact not only on ourselves but also on those around us.
But what is Kamma, you may ask, And why is it a worthy task To understand this law of cause and effect And how it shapes our lives, we must reflect.
Kamma is the choices we make each day, And the intentions behind what we do and say, It shapes our present and our future too, And determines the path we will pursue.
The Buddha outlined six aspects of Kamma, For us to understand and comprehend, To help us live more skillful lives, And work towards positive outcomes to thrive.
The first aspect is volition, The choices and decisions we make with intention, Through body, speech, or mind, Our actions are defined.
The creation of Kamma is through contact, And by practicing the pause, we can deflect, The tension and negativity that may arise, And make choices that are wise.
The diversity of Kamma is vast, From hell to heaven, our destiny is cast, The choices we make, the consequences we face, Are determined by the Kamma we embrace.
The result of Kamma can be felt in this life, Or in the next, or on a subsequent strife, Wholesome Kamma leads to happiness, health, and prosperity, While unwholesome Kamma causes suffering, illness, and adversity.
The elimination of unwholesome Kamma can be achieved, By breaking the chain of causality, we can be relieved, Of ignorance, craving, and aversion that create pain, And cultivate mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion to attain.
The Noble Eightfold Path is the way, To eliminate unwholesome Kamma and sway, Towards wholesome intentions, speech, and action, And cultivate concentration, mindfulness, and satisfaction.
In conclusion, the concept of Kamma, Offers a profound perspective on life and drama, Creating ripples that spread far and wide, Positivity, our reliable guide.
Coach Nick is a former Army Intelligence Pilot who discovered the teachings of the Buddha and experienced significant improvements in his life after choosing to learn, reflect, and practice. With a sincere interest in helping others discover the benefits of the Buddha’s teachings, he traveled to Thailand in 2021 to experience a Buddhist land firsthand during the pandemic. Coach Nick is also a martial artist, family man, father, and active practitioner on the path to enlightenment. This is the work of a practitioner, not a scholar, who has personally experienced the benefits of the teachings and is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge and experience with others.
Nicholas Gerace 