Karma — Indian Philosophy

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What each school says

Advaita Vedanta

In the school of Advaita, dharma is often seen as a qualified aspect of karma (cite: edge_018544). This means that virtuous deeds and duties are considered part of one's karma, and can be helpful in gaining knowledge (cite: edge_018604). However, it's also noted that dharma is distinct from karma in some cases, such as in the context of certain sacrifices (cite: edge_018126). Overall, the relationship between dharma and karma in Advaita is complex, with dharma being seen as a means to achieve knowledge and ward off evil consequences, while also being influenced by scriptural teachings (cite: edge_019482).

Dvaita Vedanta

In the school of Dvaita, the concept of karma is closely related to the atman, or individual self, which is considered the cause of karma (cite: edge_008060). The atman's actions and virtues can lead to certain results, such as the body being produced by karma (cite: edge_007736). Dharma, or righteous living, is also seen as a qualified aspect of karma, with certain paths and duties being permitted (cite: edge_000250). Additionally, the atman's actions can lead to multiple births, highlighting the complex relationship between the atman, dharma, and karma (cite: edge_007447).

Vishishtadvaita

In the school of Vishishtadvaita, karma is considered a qualified aspect of dharma, meaning that it is connected to one's duties and responsibilities (cite: edge_006524). Karma is also seen as something that can be influenced by the atman, or the individual self, with the atman being the cause of karma (cite: edge_001850). Additionally, karma can have an impact on the atman, with karma being a cause of the atman's experiences (cite: edge_006212). The relationship between karma and dharma is complex, with karma being a part of dharma and dharma being a cause of karma (cite: edge_006522).

Achintya Bhedabheda

In the achintya_bhedabheda school of philosophy, the concept of karma is closely related to the atman, or the self, which is seen as the cause of karma (cite: edge_002740). Karma is also considered a qualified aspect of dharma, or duty, with certain actions being considered appropriate or inappropriate (cite: edge_004432). The atman is distinct from karma and is not entangled by the activities performed due to contact with material bodies (cite: edge_004057). Additionally, dharma is seen as a qualified aspect of karma, with prescribed duties being performed with a certain mentality (cite: edge_004368).

Dvaitadvaita

According to the dvaitadvaita school of philosophy, dharma is considered a qualified aspect of karma, as seen in various texts such as the Chandogya Upanishad and the Sutrakritanga (cite: edge_024286). Dharma is also said to be a cause of karma, with evidence from the Katha Upanishad (cite: edge_025843). The relationship between dharma and karma is further emphasized in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, where it is stated that good works and sacrifices are aspects of karma (cite: edge_026739). Overall, the concept of karma in the context of dharma is complex and multifaceted, with dharma being both a qualified aspect of and distinct from karma (cite: edge_021873).

Buddhism (Pali Canon)

In Buddhist philosophy, karma is distinct from dharma, as stated in various texts (cite: edge_010301), (cite: edge_010081), (cite: edge_010207), and (cite: edge_010227). However, karma is also considered a cause of dharma (cite: edge_008874) and (cite: edge_010082), and dharma is seen as a cause of karma (cite: edge_009656) and (cite: edge_010302). Additionally, karma is considered a qualified aspect of dharma (cite: edge_010337) and (cite: edge_008840), highlighting the complex relationship between these two concepts in Buddhist thought (cite: edge_010301).

Where schools disagree

dharma ↔ karma

Achintya Bhedabheda asserts IS_CAUSE_OF (edge_004470): "the work which is born of his nature"

Advaita Vedanta asserts IS_QUALIFIED_ASPECT_OF (edge_020967): "use such words as “‘It exists”, “It takes birth.”"

Buddhism (Pali Canon) asserts IS_CAUSE_OF (edge_010302): "what’s given to them is very fruitful"

Dvaita Vedanta asserts IS_QUALIFIED_ASPECT_OF (edge_007842): "the prohibition of acting according to one’s own liking"

Vishishtadvaita asserts IS_QUALIFIED_ASPECT_OF (edge_006535): "special acts (of duty)"

karma ↔ moksha

Achintya Bhedabheda asserts OBSTRUCTS (edge_004228): "mislead the people, and become known as religious reformers or as incarnations of God"

Advaita Vedanta asserts IS_CAUSE_OF (edge_020828): "the authors of the Smrtis command great respect"

Buddhism (Pali Canon) asserts IS_CAUSE_OF (edge_010345): "aids them right away"

Dvaita Vedanta asserts IS_QUALIFIED_ASPECT_OF (edge_020682): "furnishing experience and liberation"

Vishishtadvaita asserts IS_QUALIFIED_ASPECT_OF (edge_000255): "rites for the attainment of pleasure and power"

brahman ↔ karma

Achintya Bhedabheda asserts IS_QUALIFIED_ASPECT_OF (edge_002940): "find out the direction of work in Brahman"

Advaita Vedanta asserts IS_DISTINCT_FROM (edge_021040): "There could have been no karma before creation"

Dvaita Vedanta asserts IS_CAUSE_OF (edge_007988): "the routes leading to Brahman"

Vishishtadvaita asserts IS_QUALIFIED_ASPECT_OF (edge_000714): "reposing all actions on Brahman (Prakṛti)"

jiva ↔ karma

Achintya Bhedabheda asserts IS_CAUSE_OF (edge_004160): "if the living entity adulterates his consciousness with the qualities of cats and dogs, in..."

Advaita Vedanta asserts IS_CAUSE_OF (edge_018758): "under the impulsion of his past works"

Dvaita Vedanta asserts IS_QUALIFIED_ASPECT_OF (edge_007090): "the view that the soul is the"

Vishishtadvaita asserts IS_QUALIFIED_ASPECT_OF (edge_006630): "the bondage of him who knows is not, at that stage, dissolved"

karma ↔ maya

Achintya Bhedabheda asserts IS_QUALIFIED_ASPECT_OF (edge_004469): "all work is contaminated by the material modes of nature"

Advaita Vedanta asserts IS_CAUSE_OF (edge_021032): "acts on account of the derangement of his brain"

Dvaita Vedanta asserts IS_CAUSE_OF (edge_000256): "There is nothing else"

jnanam ↔ karma

Dvaita Vedanta asserts SUBLATES (edge_007773): "has that power only as subserving action"

Vishishtadvaita asserts IS_QUALIFIED_ASPECT_OF (edge_006521): "the origination of knowledge not being obstructed by evil works"

ahimsa ↔ karma

Achintya Bhedabheda asserts OBSTRUCTS (edge_004424): "irresponsible work is distraction because it destroys the regulative principles of scriptu..."

Buddhism (Pali Canon) asserts IS_DISTINCT_FROM (edge_010361): "kindness to children and partners,"

karma ↔ merit

Advaita Vedanta asserts IS_QUALIFIED_ASPECT_OF (edge_017529): "We say that these are merit and demerit"

Buddhism (Pali Canon) asserts IS_CAUSE_OF (edge_010316): "When their merit is used up"