An Analytical Study of Kamma based on Abhidhamma

Abstract

The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the concept of kamma in Buddhism; 2) to explore kamma according to Abhidhamma; and 3) to analyze kamma according to Abhidhamma. The study used a documentary research approach to investigate the Tipitaka and its commentary, as well as related documents.      The study found that 1) cetanā refers to one's volition or intention to perform wholesome or unwholesome kamma, be it intellectual, vocal, or physical. Cetanā is the cause that leads to behavior, whether good or bad, meritorious or demeritorious. Buddhism emphasizes taking responsibility for one's own actions, with cetanā serving as the driving force for wholesome kamma, which leads to physical and mental happiness, and unwholesome kamma, which leads to physical and mental suffering.  2) According to Abhidhamma, kamma is divided into 12 unwholesome actions (akusalakamma),8 sense-sphere wholesome states (kāmāvacarakusala), 5 fine-material-sphere wholesome states (rūpavacarakusala), and 4 immaterial-sphere wholesome states (arūpavacarakusala). 12 Unwholesome actions (akusalakamma) is divided into greed that contains 4 kinds of distortion (vipallāsa) and that which does not contain 4 kinds of wrong view. There are 2 kinds of hatred: one that is angry by oneself, and one that is provoked by others. There are 2 kinds of delusion, namely unwholesome doubt and distraction. 8 Sense-sphere wholesome states (kāmāvacarakusala) refer to wholesomeness that is either self-initiated or motivated by others, and contain 4 kinds of wisdom. There are also another kind of wholesome states that do not contain 4 kinds of wisdom.5 Fine-material-sphere wholesome states (rūpavacarakusala) consist of 5 absorptions, while 4 immaterial-sphere wholesome states (arūpavacarakusala) consist of 5 absorptions.  3) To maintain the mind in the sense-sphere wholesome states, one must cultivate faith (saddhā), effort (viriya), mindfulness (sati), concentration (samādhi), wisdom (paññā), right speech (sammāvācā), right action (sammākammanta), and right livelihood (sammāājīva) in order to lead a happy life in the present moment. One should also cultivate one’s mind in order to achieve happiness and 5 absorptions.  The establishment of jhāna or absorptions consists of thoughts (vitakka), investigation (vicāra), joy (pīti), one-pointedness (ekaggata), while the establishment of formless jhāna or absorptions consists of equanimity (upekkhā) and one-pointedness (ekaggata). The mental development for long-term happiness is the level of mind of the Stream-Entrerer, the Once-Returner, the Non-Returner, and the Arahant.