Understanding Karma and Western Viewpoints - Essay Example

Understanding Karma and Western Viewpoints For many years, karma has been defined as a concept which only evolved in the Hinduism. According to the clarification regarding Karma in Hinduism is that actions which may be being noted in the present are fully in reaction to the past actions. Herein, there come two distinctive conditions that discuss that the actions of reactions could take place in reply of some good as well as bad deed. This made it evident that the reincarnated beings will be only come back to life when they have been able to do something which is acceptable.

This paper aims to understand the concept of karma. Furthermore, the paper will undertake a discussion regarding western view on karma. The western view of karma is no different from Hinduism. It has been believed in the Eastern Europe that karma is strongly associated with human lives. It can be noted and experienced through daily routine experiences. It is due to this reason that the explanation in the western culture have been done greatly. In addition, the affirmation of the western culture regarding karma is so strong that its impact and influence is greatly visible from different artifacts and written pieces of western culture and art (Smith).

Karma which is more considered as a law in Buddhism is interpreted differently in western hemisphere. The deed is rather interchanges with the concept of performance. Another condition which is clarified in the western viewpoint of karma is that in real sense, it is merely the pace of action which will take place because it beholds one’s approach at life. Buddhism on the other hand, considers karma as a very critical implication of life. Thus, it is ordained to the Buddhism followers to understand karma and stick to the teachings which have been given to make sure that karma takes place in a corrective way (Smith).

As a matter of fact, Hinduism explains karma in such a manner that it relates to the religious practices. However, in terms of western beliefs regarding karma, it is not the religious notion but rather a state in which a person may always be. Some believed that karma is an overrated concept because in real terms it is just the hard work and input of a person in something good or recklessness of someone in undertaking a bad deed. The western people would discuss the criticality of karma in a more simplistic manner as followed in churches since 1900s (Smith).

Through the above analysis, it becomes easier to note that karma is a concept which has been understood and followed by many people but the fact remains that it is a religious belief for Hindus whereas for westerners it is merely a notion that has to be taken place because it is a person’s interest to do according to his will. This is close to the scientific concept noting that every action has equal and opposite reaction. The aspect of result being felt back depends upon the person’s approach.

Works Cited Smith, M. Karma. New York: Penguin Group, 1999. Published.