Karma is a complex and often misunderstood concept in Buddhism. Karma means ‘action’ as well as the law of cause and effect. In this video I explain what karma is and how we can use it to empower ourselves and our lives so that we will only meet with favorable conditions and happiness, now and in the future. Karma also explains how we have become the person we are today and how we can transform our present-day difficulties into causes for future happiness and even enlightenment.
 
 
Suttas used in this video:

“Intentional action: kamma (Skt: karma)”, edited by Access to Insight. Access to Insight (Legacy Edition), 5 November 2013, http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca4/samma-ditthi/kamma.html.

“Kamma: A Study Guide”, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.Access to Insight (Legacy Edition), 30 November 2013, http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/study/kamma.html.

“Pupphavagga: Flowers” (Dhp IV), translated from the Pali by Acharya Buddharakkhita. Access to Insight (Legacy Edition), 30 November 2013, http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/dhp/dhp.04.budd.html.
 
 
Related Videos:

Video on rebirth & past life evidence

Karma Part II: Positive, Neutral and Negative

Karma Part III: Purifying Negative Karma

Karma Part IV: Difference between Karma and Merit

 
As I mentioned in the video, there are five processes influencing our lives. These five are called the Five Niyamas. Among them, they include the processes of climate and weather, and the nature of germs and seeds. You can read more about the four other factors influencing our lives here and here.
 
 
“Every thought you produce, anything you say, any action you do, it bears your signature.” – Thich Nhat Hanh