Sambodhi 2006 Vol 30

Author(s): J B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 79

Vol. XXX, 2006
THE CONCEPT OF KAMMA IN BUDDHISM :
73
After discussing the deeds and ripening of deeds it is maintained that there are various forms of Kamma, some deeds are Ditthadhammavedaniya-kamma, it is Kamma manifesting itself in this life, the Uppajjavedaniya-kamma in next birth, and, Aparāpara-kamma produces results in any other birth after next birth. There are also some other deeds which do not produce results, these are Ahosi-kamma. On the other hand, Upaghātaka- kamma is a kind of ablation offered in small portions at a time, it produces results by way of obstructing others deeds. According to Pāli literature, an individual renews existence by performing sinful actions such as acting wrongly in the matter of the desires, i.e. a fornicator or adulterer etc. Kāmesumithyācāra etc. in brute creation, the realm of animals and abstinence from sinful actions in celestial origin. Those who are endowed with good conduct of good deeds, after the breaking up of the body after death, attain happiness, a heaven world, and those who are endowed with misconduct of evils, after the breaking up of the body after death, attain unhappy realms of existence like hell etc.52 The rebirth in the form of human beings is the result of good deeds. The result of completeness of ten perfections (Pārmitas) like dāna-pāramitā etc. is the rise of Buddhahood or enlightenment in this world.
The series of Kamma and rebirth remains till the attainment of nirvana. After the attainment of nirvana, Kamma and rebirth both cease. In fact, ignorance is the main cause of performing deeds and all deeds of action form 'cycle of world' (saṁsäracakra) and whole of this always moves. Therefore, when the ignorance will disappear through knowledge then there is cessation of Kamma, and combining of all aggregates stops. He will not return again to birth, it means rebirth does not occur. Thus, it is quiet clear that the main cause of rebirth is ignorance which is mainly based on will of an individual. According to the Buddhist doctrine, rebirth does not occur by cessation of desire. The desire is will of mind which changes in the form of deeds by consciousness. Therefore the Buddha preached : 'cetanäaham bhikkhave kammam vadāmi'. In Buddhism, the experience of previous state of mind is also considered as rebirth. In the Pāli literature specially in Vimānavatthu and Pettavatthu etc. we find the concept about the birth of Upāsaka - Upāsikās and Bikkhus-Bhikkhunis in the form of God. These concepts are based on good and evil nature of deeds. The human realms of existence is the only such existence in which attainment of Nirvana or emancipation is possible. An individual may be emancipated in the form of renewal in human-birth by his good deeds. There is no boundation of colour, caste, place, time, age, sex etc.