Karma is one of the most used words in spirituality — and one of the most confused. Buddhism and Vedānta use the term, but with important nuances.
What is Karma
The word karma comes from the root "kṛ" — to do. Karma is action. And every action produces a result (phala). This is universal in both traditions.
Karma in Buddhism
In Buddhism, karma is linked to intention (cetanā). Action motivated by ignorance, attachment, or aversion generates negative karma. Action motivated by wisdom and compassion generates positive karma.
The goal in Buddhism is to cease the cycle of karma completely — to achieve nirvāṇa, the extinction of suffering. The Buddha taught the Noble Eightfold Path as a means to purify actions and achieve liberation.
Karma in Vedānta
In Vedānta, karma is also action-result. But there is a fundamental difference: karma never liberates. No amount of good deeds eliminates fundamental ignorance.
The Vedic tradition classifies karma into three types: - Sañcita — accumulated karma from past lives - Prārabdha — karma that is fructifying now (including this body) - Āgāmi — karma being created now
Vedānta says that only jñāna (knowledge) liberates. Karma yoga prepares the mind, but it is the knowledge of ātman that dissolves ignorance.
The Essential Difference
In Buddhism, there is no ātman — the doctrine of anātman denies a permanent self. Karma propagates without a fixed subject, like a flame passing from candle to candle.
In Vedānta, ātman exists and is reality. Karma is real only from the perspective of one who identifies with the body-mind. When knowledge reveals ātman, karma becomes irrelevant — like debts in a dream when you wake up.
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