Overview
Not all intentional actions yield immediate results. In orthodox Abhidhamma, kamma is highly structural, and the precise moment of volition (cetanā) within the cognitive process determines exactly when a kammic seed will bear fruit. This framework explains why bad things sometimes happen to good people and vice versa.
The List
- Diṭṭhadhammika-vedanīya-kamma - Immediately Effective Kamma: Kamma that ripens within this very life. If it does not find the opportunity to ripen in this lifetime, it becomes defunct (Ahosi Kamma).
- Upapajja-vedanīya-kamma - Subsequently Effective Kamma: Kamma that ripens exclusively in the very next lifetime immediately following the present one. It dictates the next rebirth or experiences therein. If it cannot operate in the next life, it becomes defunct.
- Aparāpariya-vedanīya-kamma - Indefinitely Effective Kamma: Kamma that ripens in any lifetime from the second future life onwards. As long as the cycle of saṃsāra continues, this kamma never expires and waits for the right conditions to bear fruit.
Textual References
- Canonical: Nibbedhika Sutta (AN 6.63) – The Buddha explains the diversity of kamma and its ripening.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter XIX) – Buddhaghosa provides the definitive technical breakdown of how the seven javana mind-moments align with these three timeframes.