Karma in Buddhism

action driven by intention which leads to future consequences

Vipāka (Sanskrit and Pāli) is a Jain and Buddhist term for the ripening or maturation of karma (Pāli kamma), or intentional actions. The theory of karmic action and result (kamma-vipāka) is a central belief within the Buddhist tradition.

thumb|Amitabha Buddha (pictured) discusses the Ānantarika kamma in his [[Original Vow.]] Ānantarya karma (Sanskrit) or Ānantarika kamma (Pāli) are the most serious offences in Buddhism that, at death, through the overwhelming karmic strength of any single one of them, bring immediate disaster. Both Buddhists and non-Buddhists must avoid them at all costs. Such offenses prevent perpetrators from attaining any of the stages of enlightenment and from ordaining into the Sangha. Those who have committed any of the five acts of Ānantarika kamma are said to be reborn in the naraka of Avīci, the very

Questions that Buddha refused to answer

Cetanā (Sanskrit, Pali; Tibetan Wylie: sems pa) is a Buddhist term commonly translated as "volition", "intention", "directionality", etc. It can be defined as a mental factor that moves or urges the mind in a particular direction, toward a specific object or goal. Cetanā is identified within the Buddhist teachings as follows: One of the seven universal mental factors in the Theravada Abhidharma. One of the Ten mahā-bhūmika in Sarvastivada Abhidharma. One of the five universal mental factors in the Mahayana Abhidharma The most significant mental factor involved in the creation of karma.

Phala is a Sanskrit term that means "fruit" of one's actions in Hinduism and Buddhism. In Buddhism, the following types of phala are identified: Ariya-phala also refers to the fruition of following the Buddhist path. Maha-phala refers the great fruits of the contemplative life.