Karma: The Power of Intention in Theravada Buddhism
Explore the true meaning of Karma in Theravada Buddhism. Learn how the Buddha defined kamma as intention and a law of cause and effect driven by your own agency.
Karma: The Power of Intention in Theravada Buddhismのベスト引用
Intention is kamma; it is the mental impulse behind the act that sets the chain of causes in motion, making you the architect of your own experience rather than a victim of fate.
このオーディオレッスンはBeFreedコミュニティメンバーが作成しました
I want to learn about Karma in Theravada Buddhism.
よくある質問
In the Theravada tradition, the word for karma is the Pali term 'kamma,' which literally translates to action or deed. Rather than being a form of cosmic revenge or an invisible judge, it is understood as a sophisticated law of cause and effect. This perspective emphasizes personal agency, suggesting that our experiences are shaped by our own previous actions and the specific motivations behind them.
The Buddha introduced a revolutionary pivot in the region of Greater Magadha by identifying intention as the core of kamma. He famously stated, 'Intention, I tell you, is kamma,' shifting the focus from physical movement to the internal 'why' behind an action. This means that our minds act as factories for karma, where the quality of our deeds is determined by the underlying mental intent rather than just the outward behavior.
While many people today use karma to describe 'what goes around comes around' or a type of 'beast' that punishes bad behavior, the Buddhist view is more nuanced. It is not about external punishment or traffic mishaps, but about the internal law of cause and effect. Unlike some groups in Greater Magadha who believed all movement created karma, the Buddha taught that it is specifically the intentionality behind the deed that matters.
もっと発見
Explore Buddhism for Modern Life
In our fast-paced, distracted world, Buddhist wisdom offers practical tools for finding balance, meaning, and genuine happiness. This learning plan bridges ancient teachings with modern life challenges, ideal for anyone seeking more mindfulness, emotional resilience, and authentic connection in their daily experience.
Apply karate philosophy to daily living
Karate philosophy offers powerful tools for navigating modern life with purpose, discipline, and inner strength. This learning plan helps anyone seeking to move beyond physical techniques to embrace karate's deeper wisdom as a comprehensive approach to personal development and daily living.
Apply Buddhist Teachings at Work
This learning plan bridges ancient spiritual wisdom with modern professional demands, offering a roadmap for ethical and mindful career development. It is ideal for leaders and professionals seeking to transform workplace stress into a path of personal and collective growth.
The Will to Power and Self-Mastery
This plan is essential for individuals seeking to break free from societal conditioning and reclaim their personal narrative. It is designed for those who want to master their internal impulses and transform their lives through the lens of existential philosophy and self-determination.
Raise consciousness
In an era of constant distraction, mastering one's internal state is essential for true mental freedom. This plan is designed for seekers looking to move beyond surface-level mindfulness into deep spiritual transformation and ego transcendence.
Manifest Your Truest Desires
This plan is essential for individuals feeling disconnected from their purpose or stuck in cycles of societal expectation. It provides a transformative framework for spiritual seekers to bridge the gap between mystical practice and practical life application.
Power of the subconscious mind
This plan is essential for anyone feeling stuck in self-sabotaging patterns or seeking to unlock their full potential. It bridges the gap between cognitive science and personal mastery, making it ideal for high-performers and individuals focused on deep psychological growth.
Have a spiritual awakening
This plan is designed for individuals seeking profound inner transformation beyond surface-level mindfulness. It provides a structured path for those ready to move from intellectual understanding to lived spiritual realization by integrating shadow work and daily presence.
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
![[00cbb2ac-cf12-4418-99db-11dba7acd55f:c0000] Joseph Goldstein [Goldstein, Joseph] - Mindfulness (2013, Sounds True) - libgen.li.epub p1-1](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fd1y2du6z1jfm9e.cloudfront.net%2Fassets%2Fpodcast%2Fgreen.png&w=1024&q=50)
![[00cbb2ac-cf12-4418-99db-11dba7acd55f:c0001] Joseph Goldstein [Goldstein, Joseph] - Mindfulness (2013, Sounds True) - libgen.li.epub p1-1](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fd1y2du6z1jfm9e.cloudfront.net%2Fassets%2Fpodcast%2Fpurple.png&w=1024&q=50)
![[00cbb2ac-cf12-4418-99db-11dba7acd55f:c0002] Joseph Goldstein [Goldstein, Joseph] - Mindfulness (2013, Sounds True) - libgen.li.epub p1-1](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fd1y2du6z1jfm9e.cloudfront.net%2Fassets%2Fpodcast%2Fyellow.png&w=1024&q=50)
