An Analysis of the Law of Karma and Its Effects on the Understanding of Violence in the Perspective of Buddhism

Abstract

This academic article aims to explore the analysis of the principles of karma and their effects in understanding violence from a Buddhist perspective. This is an important concept that can be used as a framework for understanding and addressing violence in contemporary society. Violence here does not refer solely to physical force, but also includes verbal and mental violence, all of which are the results of past and present karma. The principle of karma, which emphasizes intention as the foundation of action, suggests that violence does not occur by chance but stems from a series of causes and factors. This conceptual article is a qualitative research methodology, using an analysis of Buddhist documents, such as the Tipitaka, commentaries, and the writings of Buddhist scholars, along with in-depth interviews with monks, academics, and laypeople interested in Dhamma. The purpose of this research is to understand how the principles of karma are interpreted and applied to address violence. The analysis is based on four main themes: the meaning and types of karma, the effects of karma, violence from a karma perspective, and Buddhist approaches to resolving violence.

The analysis reveals that the Buddhist concept of karma is a principle of cause and effect related to intentional actions, not a mechanism of fate or punishment from the past. However, in Thai society, the principle of karma has been misinterpreted, leading to a succumb to violence and a lack of appropriate responsibility for social problems. This article proposes a constructive communication and understanding of the principle of karma to promote mindful and compassionate solutions to the problem of violence in Thai society.