Vipāka

Vipāka

Vipāka

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Vipāka (Sanskrit and Pāli) is a Jain and Buddhist term for the ripening or maturation of karma (Pāli kamma), or intentional actions. The theory of karmic action and result (kamma-vipāka) is a central belief within the Buddhist tradition.

Alternate translations

The term vipaka is translated as:

  • effect (Ven. D. Mahinda Thera[1])
  • maturation (Keown, 2000, loc 810–813)
  • ripening (Harvey, 1990, p. 39[2])
  • result

Within the discourses

The Samyutta Nikaya states:

According to the seed that’s sown,
So is the fruit you reap therefrom,
Doer of good will gather good,
Doer of evil, evil reaps,
Down is the seed and thou shalt taste the fruit thereof.

— Saṃyutta Nikāya

See also

References

  1. [1]
    Buddhist Points Misunderstood, by Ven. D. Mahinda Thera
  2. [2]
    Harvey 1990, p. 39-40.

Sources

  • Ajahn Sucitto (2010), Turning the Wheel of Truth: Commentary on the Buddha's First Teaching, Shambhala
  • Geshe Tashi Tsering (2005), The Four Noble Truths: The Foundation of Buddhist Thought, Volume I, Wisdom, Kindle Edition
  • Gethin, Rupert (1998), Foundations of Buddhism, Oxford University Press
  • Harvey, Peter (1990), Introduction to Buddhism, Cambridge University Press
  • Keown, Damien (2000), Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, Kindle Edition


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