The Buddha’s Explanation of Kamma

Abstract

The Buddha’s explanation of the concept of kamma in the Tipiṭaka can be categorized into fi ve different types, namely, akusalas, results of akusalas, kusalas, results of kusalas, and the extinguishing of kamma. His use of different types of fi gurative language depends on situations and backgrounds of his interlocutors. The Buddha’s understanding of his interlocutors’ outlooks and dispositions enabled him to select appropriate approaches to explain about kamma to foster ethical thinking, which will lead to the practice of sammãditthi.