By 佛光大學佛教研修院碩士班

We may all live in the same place, and have the same knowledge backgrounds and abilities, yet the good or bad life experiences differ substantially from individual to individual. What could be the reason for this This is due to the karma caused by us from the past.

Sentient beings share the same forms and characteristics of life, but some live happily in heaven while some suffer from being reborn in the lower realms. What is the reason for this It is because of the different karmas caused by sentient beings.

The activities of our body, speech, and mind cause karmas. Accordingly, they can be categorized into: physical karma, verbal karma, and mental karma.

1) Physical karma

From the negative perspective, unwholesome physical karmas are caused by anything related to any means of creating one's happiness based on the suffering of others. For example, killing with a knife, a gun or position; harming others with sticks, clubs, knives or rocks; robbery; fraud; seducing a man or a woman to wrong; or acts against moral ethics. From the positive perspective, wholesome physical karmas are caused by any acts that are of benefit to others. For example, helping others solve their problems; freeing lives to make them happy; the generous giving of wealth; making life more convenient for others; respecting moral ethics; or refraining from evil conducts.


Key Words:

1. Karma 業

2. Sentient beings 眾生

3. Lower realms 惡道

4. Physical karma 身業