Overview
Kamma (Sanskrit: Karma) is driven by volition (cetanā). In orthodox Theravāda, all intentional actions of body, speech, and mind are fundamentally divided into two ethical categories based on the mental roots that produce them and the results (vipāka) they yield.
The List
- Kusala-kamma - Wholesome Action: Intentional action rooted in non-greed, non-hatred, and non-delusion. It generates pleasant results in this life or future lives, leading to fortunate rebirths and facilitating the path to awakening.
- Akusala-kamma - Unwholesome Action: Intentional action rooted in greed (lobha), hatred (dosa), and delusion (moha). It generates painful results, leading to suffering and rebirth in the lower realms.
Textual References
- Canonical: Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta (MN 9) – Ven. Sāriputta defines right view by clearly distinguishing wholesome and unwholesome actions and their roots.
- Commentary: Aṭṭhasālinī – Provides the exhaustive Abhidhammic breakdown of how consciousness generates these two kammic forces.