The Science of Karma

Though not explicitly stated at times, Karma is a common idea across cultures. Often, ideas such as “you reap what you sow” or “what goes around comes around” are spread and taught as obvious truths in our world. The idea of Karma is generally interpreted as a causal force in the universe that grants good experiences to people who do good, and bad things happen to people who do wrong. However, according to Buddhist philosophies, the idea is more complicated. The wisdom in ancient philosophy even holds weight in our modern world, where ideas are tested through scientific inquiry.

Rather than the commonly perceived meaning of cosmic consequence, Karma translates to action. The consequences of these actions (Karma) can be considered a karmic effect (Allen et al., 2015). According to the Mind Only (Yogacara) school of Buddhism, karma influences the mind in generating schemas of how the world is interpreted (Allen et al., 2015). Therefore, the actions commonly conducted by an individual will begin to be reflected in that actor’s perception of others and the world around them (Allen et al., 2015). This leads to the interpretation that a person’s actions will, in a cyclical fashion, lead to this happening to the individual as well. Again, what goes around comes around. Examples of this may be that a person that frequently lies begins to see others as untrustworthy, or someone honest will tend to meet those who are honest and sincere (Allen et al., 2015). The critical importance here is that this reflection of action is not brought upon the individual by the universe but possibly by the person. The person must take responsibility for both their actions and transform suffering wherever possible.

Though beautiful as this idea may be, it is crucial to consider the scientific validity of these claims. Unsurprisingly, this is not extremely difficult to do. The modern field of social cognition postulates that people tend to interpret incoming information in ways that are consistent with primers already generated within their mental schemas (Allen et al., 2015). It is not hard to imagine that these primers are created both internally and as a lesson learned from life experiences. Therefore, these internal and external primers influence one another in a feedback loop.

On top of that, research suggests that actions performed by an individual beget similar action in return. For example, where reciprocal dating violence occurs, 50% of girls who receive violence in a relationship will end up sending back violence in return (Swahn et al., 2010). Violence indeed does beget violence, and those who initiate violence are prone to experience violence in their lives. Many other studies show similar trends, especially toward the issue of violence (Allen et al., 2015). This phenomenon is not specific to violence either. Research shows that kindness over the phone will likely result in positive behaviour and attraction towards that individual (Snyder et al., 1977). Of course, this does not explicitly state that the mental schemas of an individual manifest into the reflection of the world they perceive. Nonetheless, studies such as these reinforce the idea that the behaviours and attitudes of a person, possibly promoted by their mental schemas, promote a world around them that reflects their inner self. A kind person welcomes and attracts kindness into their lives, and those violent and hateful may meet the same.

This idea is reminiscent of the works of Richard Wiseman, who reminds us of the consequences of the things we may choose to say:

“When you gossip about another person, listeners unconsciously associate you with the characteristics you are describing, ultimately leading to those characteristics’ being “transferred” to you. So, say positive and pleasant things about friends and colleagues, and you are seen as a nice person. In contrast, constantly complain about their failings, and people will unconsciously apply the negative traits and incompetence to you.”

(59 Seconds Quotes by Richard Wiseman, n.d.)

Similarly, we should be more mindful of ourselves when we wish to speak negatively about someone else. Oscar Wilde was known to say, “Criticism is the only reliable form of autobiography.” (One Thing That Will Ruin a Perfectly Good Relationship | Psychology Today, n.d.)

Criticism is often very representative of the inner workings of that person. Criticizing is a way of boosting the ego and self-validation. Therefore, we should learn to be more mindful of ourselves. Mindfulness of the self will then lead to a more positive environment due to Karma.

Though more research is needed to reinforce the karmic philosophy that mental habits support interpretation of environmental stimuli, it is evident that the behaviours of an individual promote similar behaviour back at them. To foster kindness within the self is to emanate kindness when interacting with others, and this is sure to invite kindness into your life. The same is true following mindfulness and awareness of our emotions through self-enquiry.

May we all remember that what happens in mind is not ours alone; it radiates outwards. What radiates outwards will also come back through reflection. May we all be kind, positive, and moral so that we may all experience and create a kind, positive, and moral world.