Kamma (Karma) As Explained by Dependent Origination

In our pursuit of understanding suffering and discontent, we encounter the profound teachings of Dependent Origination. Dependent Origination is a teaching that transcends any particular individual or tradition. It offers a profound insight into the nature of reality itself. This understanding allows us to grasp the causes and conditions that give rise to the whole mass of suffering and discontent in our lives.

Dependent Origination: Understanding the Interconnectedness of Suffering

Dependent Origination reveals that suffering and discontent do not arise arbitrarily or independently but are dependently arisen, intricately linked to specific conditions and causes. It illuminates the intricate dance of cause and effect, unveiling the chain of interdependence that perpetuates suffering.

The Chain of Interconnectedness:

1. Birth conditions aging-and-death: The very act of birth sets in motion a cycle that inevitably leads to aging and death, regardless of external circumstances.
2. Existence conditions birth: The yearning for existence, the deep-rooted desire to be, fuels the continuation of this cycle.
3. Clinging conditions existence: Attachment and clinging to transient phenomena perpetuate the cycle of existence, leading to further suffering.
4. Craving conditions clinging: Craving, born out of a fundamental misunderstanding of true reality, binds us to the illusions of worldly pursuits and perpetuates our discontent.
5. Feeling conditions craving: Our sensations and experiences, both pleasant and unpleasant, give rise to cravings, shaping our desires and aversions.
6. Contact conditions feeling: Through the interplay of our senses and the world, contact occurs, generating feelings that further influence our desires and experiences.
7. Six sense bases condition contact: Our six senses—the gateways through which we perceive the world—play a crucial role in shaping our experiences.
8. *Name-and-form conditions the six sense bases: The interplay between our mental and physical aspects influences the functioning of our senses, shaping our perceptions.
9. Consciousness conditions name-and-form: Consciousness arises in conjunction with our mental and physical aspects, giving rise to the diverse experiences that shape our reality.
10. Volitional formations condition consciousness: Rooted in ignorance, our volitional choices and actions generate the karmic seeds that shape our consciousness and experiences.
11. Ignorance conditions volitional formations: At the root of this cycle lies ignorance—the lack of understanding of the true nature of reality—that perpetuates the cycle of suffering and discontent.

The Power of Mindful Awareness: Transforming the Cycle

Embedded within the teachings of Dependent Origination lies the noble truth: with the destruction of craving, unwholesome patterns of action and their accompanying suffering can be transcended.

At the heart of this understanding lies the concept of contact. Suffering and discontent are dependent on contact with the world around us through the six sense bases: the eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind. When contact occurs, it sets in motion a chain reaction that leads to the arising of various mental and physical phenomena.

Within this chain of causation, kamma plays a vital role. Kamma, often referred to as intentional action, is conditioned by contact. It is through the interplay of contact and intentional action that our experiences and their consequences unfold.

The teachings highlight that with the destruction of craving, unwholesome kamma is also extinguished. Craving, rooted in desire and attachment, fuels the perpetuation of unwholesome actions, leading to further suffering and discontent. By uprooting craving, we sever the cycle of unwholesome kamma and pave the way for liberation.

In the teachings, valuable insights are shared regarding the factors that lead to the elimination of craving and the cessation of suffering. The Seven Factors of Enlightenment provide a practical path for practitioners on the journey towards liberation.

When the mind becomes complacent, sluggish, or lazy, It’s time to practice the Enlightenment factors of Investigation, Energy, and Joy.

When the mind is excited, elated, or overstimulated, It’s time to practice the Enlightenment factors of Tranquility, Concentration, and Equanimity.

The Enlightenment factor of Mindfulness is always valuable, And should be cultivated in every moment. To train it, incorporate Breathing Mindfulness Meditation, As part of the ongoing practice of the Eightfold Path.

The Seven Factors of Enlightenment are:

1. Mindfulness: Cultivating awareness of the mind and its activities.
2. Investigation: Engaging in dedicated examination, exploration, research, study, and questioning to understand the teachings.
3. Energy: Cultivating effort, determination, ambition, initiative, motivation, vigor, and enthusiasm in the practice.
4. Joy: Experiencing unconditioned gladness, not associated with any specific object, and not derived from craving, desire, or attachment.
5. Tranquility: Cultivating relaxation, steadiness, stability, peacefulness, and stillness of mind.
6. Concentration: Developing mental alertness, attentiveness, and the ability to focus on a single object or activity.
7. Equanimity: Nurturing mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, treating everyone impartially, especially in difficult situations.

Through the consistent practice of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, the mind moves towards balance, liberation, and success in any endeavor. As practitioners delve deeper into their meditation practice, they may experience the bodily sensation of specific cravings, desires, attachments, or taints being released from the mind—a profound moment of “maturing in release.”

By understanding the interplay of contact, craving, and kamma, and by diligently cultivating the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, individuals can traverse the path towards freedom from suffering and discontent. The teachings of Dependent Origination and the Seven Factors of Enlightenment offer profound wisdom and guidance, leading to lasting peace, welfare, and success for those who embark on this transformative journey.

Note: The Seven Factors of Enlightenment are a set of practices and qualities that lead to the fulfillment of true wisdom, liberation, and success in any endeavor.

Imagine a beautiful lotus flower, vibrant and pure, blooming amidst the murky waters of a pond. Despite its surroundings, the lotus remains untainted, rising above the muddy depths with grace and elegance. In the same way, the teachings of Dependent Origination remind us that despite the suffering and discontent that surround us, we have the potential to cultivate wisdom and liberation within ourselves. Just as the lotus is nourished by the mud, our journey towards freedom is nurtured by understanding the causes and conditions that give rise to suffering. Like the lotus, we can rise above the muddiness of existence and blossom with wisdom and compassion.

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In the realm of interdependence, the truth is found, Dependent Origination, its wisdom profound. A chain of causation, intricately entwined, Revealing suffering’s origins, with clarity defined.

From birth to aging, the cycle unfolds, Existence yearning, attachment takes hold. Craving, the driving force, born from illusion’s reign, Binds us to worldly pursuits, fostering discontent and pain.

Feelings arise, influenced by contact’s embrace, Through senses’ interplay, experiences we chase. The six gates of perception, shaping our view, Name-and-form’s dance, perceptions imbue.

Consciousness arising, a kaleidoscope of being, Volitional actions woven, the karmic seeds we’re freeing. Ignorance, the root, perpetuates the strife, Lacking understanding, bound in the cycle of life.

With mindful awareness, the cycle can be broken, Craving’s destruction, unwholesome actions unspoken. Contact’s embrace, the catalyst of change, Transforming our reality, liberation within range.

As the lotus blooms in muddy waters, we rise, Wisdom and compassion, our truest prize. The path of the Seven Factors, our guiding light, To lasting peace and freedom, we take flight.

References:

SN 12:25 – Samyutta Nikaya

SN 46.26 – Samyutta Nikaya

SN 12.20 – Samyutta Nikaya

*Name-and-form (Paticcasamuppada): It represents the composite nature of an individual being, consisting of mental and physical aspects.

The “name” aspect refers to the mental or psychological aspects, including thoughts, feelings, perceptions, intentions, and consciousness. It encompasses the subjective experiences and the mental formations that shape one’s identity and individuality.

The “form” aspect refers to the physical or material aspects, including the body, the sense organs, and the physical sensations derived from contact with the external world.

Name-and-form emphasizes the inseparable connection between the mental and physical dimensions of our existence. It suggests that our thoughts, emotions, and consciousness are intimately intertwined with our physical body the sensory experiences we encounter through the senses.

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Coach Nick’s journey towards discovering the teachings of the Buddha began after serving as an Army Intelligence Pilot. His search for a more meaningful and fulfilling life led him to learn, reflect, and practice Buddhism, which resulted in significant improvements in various aspects of his life.

Driven by a sincere interest in sharing the benefits of these teachings with others, Coach Nick travelled to Thailand in 2021 to immerse himself in a Buddhist community during the pandemic. Alongside his practice as a martial artist, he is also a devoted family man and father, striving striving to enlighten others on the path.

Coach Nick’s is a truth speaker and his approach to sharing his knowledge and experience of the Buddha’s teachings is that of a practitioner, rather than a scholar. He has personally experienced the transformative power of the teachings and is eager to help others discover their benefits.