Karma as Moral Justice in Thai Buddhism

Abstract

This article explores philosophical implications of the Buddhist theory of karma as a framework for moral justice. It investigates in what ways and under what conditions karma delivers justice for the individual. From the analysis of both canonical texts and writings of Thai Buddhist scholars, it becomes clear that the Buddhist theory of Karma implies an understanding of justice as entailing elements of both retributive and consequentialist positions. Lastly, it explores the strengths and the limitations of karma as providing moral justice. This last point indicates a discussion of the necessity of including the collective dimension in any discussion of karma.