Q21. Did the Buddha end karma?

~ By Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu ~

If asked this, we must not denigrate the Buddha by answering carelessly or recklessly with words that misquote him and belittle his worth.

The Buddha necessarily ended kamma (action) completely because he wiped out the defilements, which is the meaning of ‘ending kamma.’ He transcended every kind of kamma, and this is what made him famous. Word spread widely and gloriously that the sage Gotama had become sabbakammakkhayaṃ-patto, that is, one who has realized the end of all kamma. The news of this event spread through India, reaching the adherents of other sects and religions. For instance, a southern brahmin named Bāvari sent sixteen disciples to the Buddha, to ask him questions and obtain knowledge from him. Others came to test him. Because of the news that the sage Gotama had become sabbakammakkhayaṃ- patto, had realized the complete end of kamma, people in India at that period were full of admiration. They were overjoyed at hearing the words sabbakammakkhayaṃ-patto. It was for just this reason that people became so interested in the Buddha.

We too ought to follow the Buddha’s example and be interested in ending kamma.

(From “Buddha-Dhamma for Inquiring Minds”)

- - ❖ - -

Buddha-Dhamma for Students (title of original translation) was composed of two talks given by Ajahn Buddhadāsa in January 1966 to students at Thammasat University, Bangkok. It was translated from the Thai by Rod Bucknell, and revised in 2018 by Santikaro Upasaka. To read/download as free ebook (pdf).

- - ❖ - -

For all English retreat talks, visit Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu.

For more information and free ebooks, visit Suan Mokkh – The Garden of Liberation.

Photo: Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives D-229