Speech Outline

Topic: Karma General Purpose: To Inform Specific Purpose: To inform my audience of the principle of karma. Central Idea Statement: I am explaining the definition, practice and history of karma. I. Karma is based off of Newton’s third law of motion, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. ” A. Every time we think or do something, we create a cause. This cause will eventually have an effect. 1. Everyone is responsible for his or her own karma. 2. Karma is the combination of both past and present deeds done. B. Karma is not punishment. 1. The idea that karma punishes man for his sins is wrong. . People who sigh and blame bad happenings on their karma don’t understand that their free will is what creates their destiny. a. It is an expression or consequence of their actions. II. Karma is a spiritually originated law in several religions. A. Hinduism believes that karma is exemplified through four ways: through thoughts, through words, through actions, and through actions others do under one’s instructions. 1. According to Hindu scriptures, there are three kinds of karma: accumulated karma (Sanchita), present karma (Prarabdha), and everything they produce in current life (Kriyamana). . They believe that all kryiyamana karma strings together with sanchita karma and shape their future. B. Buddhism practices the Four Laws of Karma. 1. Results are similar to the cause. 2. No results without a cause. 3. Once an action is done, the result is never lost. 4. Karma expands. C. Powers of Purification is the process of reversing bad karma. 1. Power of the Object a. One thinks of the people he has hurt, and then generates compassion for them. 2. Power of Regret a. One examines past negative actions (the emotion of guilt is said to be a useless emotional torture) 3. Power of Promise . One promises to never repeat negative actions 4. Power of Practice a. One makes positive action, with meaning, for practice. (Example: destroying pride, counteracting greed, ignorance and negative thoughts). III. Often, those who believe in karma believe in reincarnation. A. Reincarnation occurs after death of a body, when the soul returns to Earth, being reborn into a new body. 1. This experience is also called transmigration of the soul. B. If one balanced their karma well, they will be rewarded in their next birth. 1. It is believed that we exist as a sum of all our past lives.

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