Can everything be explained as the result of Kamma or not?
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In his brief introduction to [Sivaka Sutta, SN 36:21](https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/SN/SN36_21.html) , Thanissaro Bhikkhu states that the Sutta has been misinterpreted as saying that there are certain things not explainable as the results of Kamma. His argument, it seems to me, is that because the body is a result of Kamma (through rebirth), necessarily, the illnesses of the body are also encompassed as results of Kamma. But I’m not sure I understand his argument, as in my view, though the body is a result of Kamma, that doesn’t necessarily explain the arbitrary functions and conditions of the body.
Am I missing something? Does anybody have an alternative explanation for Thanissaro Bhikkhu’s argument?
Furthermore, I read [this other translation of the Sutta by Nyanaponika Thera](https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn36/sn36.021.nypo.html) and the meaning seems to change slightly. In this translation, it seems that the Buddha is censuring the Brahmans who fall into the absolutism of saying that everything is the result of Kamma because they haven’t attained that knowledge for themselves, and are instead just following the common views of the time. This would seem to be more in line with [MN 101](https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/MN/MN101.html) , in which the Buddha refutes the views of the Nigaṇṭhas through a series of very compelling logical arguments.
I am somewhat confused at the moment, and I would really appreciate it if someone could provide some clarity regarding this. I understand that the results of Kamma are not equal to predestination, and that it’s a very important component of the Buddha’s teaching, but _how_ exactly it is that the law of Kamma allows for freedom of choice and variation is what I don’t understand.
Thank you, and Metta.
Asked by arturovm
(618 rep)
Apr 23, 2021, 04:05 PM
Last activity: May 4, 2021, 03:46 PM
Last activity: May 4, 2021, 03:46 PM