Unskillful Karma

Karma, in its simplest form, refers to intentional action and its consequences. Unskillful karma (akusala karma) arises from actions rooted in greed, hatred, and delusion — the three poisons that fuel suffering and perpetuate the cycle of samsara.

Unskillful actions are not judged as morally wrong by an external authority but are recognised by their results. Actions that harm oneself or others, distort perception, or reinforce clinging and aversion create seeds that ripen into further suffering. This suffering may manifest immediately, in future psychological states, or in future lifetimes according to traditional teachings.

Common forms of unskillful karma include:

• Harming others through violence, harsh speech, or deceit.
• Acting out of greed, hoarding, or exploitation.
• Indulging in addictive behaviours that cloud awareness and weaken mindfulness.
• Engaging in divisive speech or actions that sow conflict and disconnection.

The key to working with unskillful karma is not guilt or self-condemnation but awareness. By observing the roots of one’s actions, one gradually weakens the habits that sustain suffering. Mindfulness allows us to see the arising of greed, aversion, or ignorance before they solidify into speech or action.

In this way, karma is not a fixed fate but a dynamic process. Each moment offers the opportunity to choose more skillful responses, gradually transforming habitual patterns and planting seeds of clarity, compassion, and freedom.

“Just as a wheel follows the hoof of the ox, so suffering follows unskillful action.”
— The Dhammapada