Comparing Buddhism And The Law Of Karma In Hinduism

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The Law of Karma is the one’s thoughts, words, and deeds have an ethical consequence, fixing one’s lot in future existences. Definition of karma states that the quality of the next life is determined by actions in the current life. This belief exists in three earliest religions that are still practiced today. Buddhism, founded by Buddha, reveals a step by step path to lasting happiness. By following the path, anyone can gradually transform their mind to self-centered state, mind of a Buddha. Jainism, founded by Mahavira, which focuses its attention ourselves and attempt to make ourselves worthy through self-denial. Hinduism views mankind as divine. Hinduism states the spiritual goal of a Hindu is to become one with Brahma and achieve moksha. Hindus also believe they will be …show more content…
Although these religions work towards different accomplishment, they relatively have similarities and differences in conceptions of karma.
All three of the religions believe people are reincarnated. Karma in Hinduism is judged based on their actions in the beginning of their life (Noss, 70). Death bring the process of samsara, and brings you to a new life, as human or any other life form, depending on the behavior of the previous life. The ultimate goal of Hindus is to attain liberation by escaping samsara, in a process called moksha (Noss, 94). Jains believe that actions, thoughts and words attract karma, and that a person's karma from past lives determines the quality of life they have now. Karma in Jainism is a physical substance present throughout the universe. The soul, called the jiva, carries karma around from one life to the next until people remove them, or until they expire after they have caused the intended harm. Jains seek deliverance by freeing themselves from the rebirth cycle and ridding all karma attached to the jiva. Bad karma attracts other bad karma, so anyone who commits bad acts will likely commit more.

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