Core Philosophical Differences Between Karma in Hinduism and Buddhism

1. Nature and Definition of Karma

• Hinduism:
  Karma refers to both action and its consequences. All thoughts, deeds, and intentions contribute to a person's karmic balance, influencing current life circumstances and future rebirths. Karma is intimately tied to the cycle of samsara (rebirth), and multiple types of karma (sanchita, prarabdha, agami, kriyamana) are recognized—all accruing over lifetimes.

• Buddhism:
  Karma is primarily understood as intentional action (cetana)—deliberate actions driven by motives. These produce karmaphala (the fruits of karma), shaping future experiences and rebirths, but only intentional acts generate karmic results. Buddhism stresses that it’s intention, not mere act, that is karmically decisive.

2. The Role of the Soul or Self

• Hinduism:
  Karma is attached to the eternal soul (atman), which moves from one life to another gathering karma until achieving moksha (liberation from samsara).

• Buddhism:
  Buddhism rejects the existence of a permanent soul (anatta or not-self). Karmic effects transfer via cause and effect, but without an enduring self. Actions influence the continuity of consciousness, not a soul or fixed entity.

3. Liberation and Ending Karma

• Hinduism:
  Freedom from karma is attained by realizing the unity of atman (self) with Brahman (universal spirit)—ending the cycle of rebirth.

• Buddhism:
  Liberation (nirvana) is reached by extinguishing craving, ignorance, and attachment—thus ending the process that leads to further karma and rebirth. Nirvana is not union with a higher self but the cessation of the processes behind karma.

4. Determinism and Flexibility

• Hinduism:
  Karma can be seen as highly deterministic, encompassing fate and destiny (prarabdha karma). Divine or cosmic forces may play a role.

• Buddhism:
  Buddhist karma is less rigid. Effects depend on intention, context, and other circumstantial factors. There is no supernatural judgment or fixed fate—results are part of a natural process of cause and effect.

5. Social and Individual Aspects

• Hinduism:
  Karma can be seen as impacting families or groups (group karma), not only individuals.

• Buddhism:
  Karma is mainly individualistic; each person’s intentions and actions determine their own karmic results.

Summary Table

In summary:

While both religions see karma as governing rebirth and ethical consequence, Hinduism ties karma to an enduring soul and cosmic fate, while Buddhism emphasizes intention, rejects the soul, and presents liberation as an end to karma itself—markedly shifting the philosophical and practical framework for spiritual growth and ethical living.