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The teaching on karma starts with the principle that…

“The teaching on karma starts with the principle that people experience happiness and sorrow based on a combination of their past and present intentions. If we act with unskillful intentions either for ourselves or for others, we’re going to suffer. If we act with skillful intentions, we’ll…” quote by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
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“The teaching on karma starts with the principle that people experience happiness and sorrow based on a combination of their past and present intentions. If we act with unskillful intentions either for ourselves or for others, we’re going to suffer. If we act with skillful intentions, we’ll experience happiness. So if we want to be happy, we have to train our intentions to always be skillful.”

Thanissaro Bhikkhu

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Karma reflects that intentions shape future happiness or suffering; skillful intent leads to wellbeing.

In simple terms: Intentions affect outcomes.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate skillful intentions daily.

Themes

karma intentionality ethics mindfulness

Mood

calm focused hopeful

Type

spiritual inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal meditation
  • ethical decision making
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

Buddhist philosophy psychology behavioral change

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you notice unskillful intentions?
  • What practices help shift to skillful intent?
A Different Perspective

Intentionality is not the sole determinant of outcomes; external factors matter.

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