In Buddhism, karma refers to the law of moral causation, where one’s actions, words, and thoughts create corresponding future effects. Central to this concept is the role of intention. The Buddha emphasized that it is not merely the action itself but the intention behind it that determines karmic outcomes. Positive intentions lead to beneficial karma, fostering future happiness and well-being, while negative intentions result in harmful karma, contributing to suffering and misfortune. By cultivating mindful and compassionate intentions, practitioners can influence their karmic trajectory, aligning their actions with the path to enlightenment.
