MENTAL MODEL · M5246

Karma

BehaviorHigh supportPsychology

Included

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

The law of cause and effect. Every intention and action will produce corresponding results (karmic fruits) in the future. It is not an external judgment, but an internal mechanism (psychological imprints left by actions).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

A long-term causal perspective. Do not give up good deeds because you don't see immediate rewards, and do not do evil because you don't face immediate punishment. Karma reminds us that time lag is a fundamental property of the world, and all accounts will eventually be settled.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Karma is a long-term causal chain of 'action—imprint—future consequence': each action leaves a psychological/habitual imprint (samskara) on the subject, which accumulates and shapes subsequent tendencies and circumstances. It emphasizes that cause and effect often involve time delay—the cause is planted now, but the effect may only manifest in the distant future. Metaphorical value: use a long-term ledger to evaluate actions, not misled by 'no immediate reward' nor indulgent due to 'no immediate punishment'.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Think long-term: include distant consequences when evaluating actions.
Recognize delay: no immediate reward does not mean no cause and effect
the account is settled in the future.
Plant good causes: continue good deeds, don't abandon them because rewards are not yet seen.
Stop minor evils: don't indulge in small wrongdoings just because there is no immediate punishment.
Cultivate imprints: use actions to reshape your own habits and tendencies.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

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Source support: Explicit

link
en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KarmaZH · Explicit
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