JOURNEY TO LIBERATION

Level 5: Karma

Q: What is karma and how does it affect your life?

Karma is the universal law of cause and effect. In brief, it means that each and every one of our actions has a consequence. Positive actions plant seeds that grow into positive effects, while negative actions result in negative effects. Karma in Buddhism is the structure that makes transformation possible. By acting, speaking and thinking in more skillful ways, we begin to experience life as far more pleasant and meaningful.

Q: What is the meaning of dependent origination?

The principle of dependent origination outlines the causal system that explains how everything comes into existence. In Buddhism, our experience is not random, but linked to the preceding moment. Everything arises based on causes and conditions. Understanding dependent origination and its cyclical structure enlightens us to where, within that cycle, we have the power to step outside of it toward freedom.

Q: What are the 6 realms in Buddhism?

The 6 realms of Buddhism are descriptions of heaven and hell which serve as metaphors to help us understand our own state of mind. When we are overwhelmed by identification with anger, for example, we may recognize we are in a hell realm. When we have everything we need yet are still plagued by jealousy, we may recognize we are in the realm of the demi-gods. The language of the 6 realms can help us understand how our state of mind has the power (for good or bad) to trigger rebirth in a completely different world.

Q: What is the cycle of reincarnation?

In Buddhism, the belief of reincarnation is a necessary prerequisite for understanding karma fully, and the possibility of transformation. The three-part cycle of reincarnation includes birth, death and the bardo state between death and our next rebirth. Even if we struggle with the concept of past and future lives, we can see how we have each lived many lives in this one. Parts of us die, parts of us are born again and we find ourselves in various heaven and hell realms. These rebirths happen cyclically as a result of habit, but we can end the cycle and step into nirvana by following the Buddhist path.

Get to know karma as a tool for transformation to improve your life experience

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image of metal balls, symbolizing karmic cause and effect

Home Meditation Courses Journey to Liberation Level 5: Karma

MANIFEST THE BEST POSSIBLE FUTURE

What You’ll Gain in Level 5: Karma

Find freedom in the laws of cause and effect

Differentiate fate vs karma and craft your future

Release any lingering guilt and shame

Note your mistakes and embrace a clear path forward

Dismantle unhelpful habitual patterns

Unwind the 12 links of dependent origination

Embrace the fullness of the human realm

Bring mindfulness to moment-to-moment rebirth

Prerequisites: Level 1 through Level 4: The Three Trainings

Roadmap of Buddhist Fundamentals course highlighting karma - Buddha's teaching on cause and effect

UNCOVER THE STRUCTURE OF TRANSFORMATION

The 5th Stage in Your Journey to Liberation

In Level 5: Karma, we explore the structure that keeps us trapped in a cyclic existence as a means of understanding how to break free from it. The teachings on karma and the 12 links of dependent origination further highlight the power of the mind over our life experience. We see it’s possible to be reborn, moment-by-moment, into a healthier place.

Trust that all you experience is helping you open your heart
Stop creating negative karma and purify effects of past actions
See how your meditation practice creates a karmic intervention
Trust the gap that opens before action and lean into that space
Use the framework of 6 realms to identify skillful mental states
Begin to unwind the misperception at the center of your reality

CHOOSE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

Ways to Get Started

Whether you take the levels one-by-one, purchase the Journey course bundle or gain full access to all our courses with a Premium Membership, our progressive online courses will inspire your progress on your path.

Level 5: Karma

$50

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Overcome habitual patterns to disrupt the flow of karma and give birth to a new way of being

I have completed the prerequisites up to Level 4: 3 Trainings

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JOURNEY TO LIBERATION SERIES

Your Level 5 Mind Trainers

Get to know the dharma teachers and meditation experts who will lead you to new possibilities as you progress on your Journey of Liberation.

Trungram Gyalwa, PhD

Internationally Renowned Buddhist Master & Scholar

Lama Jampa Thaye, PhD

Meditation Master and Buddhist Scholar

Bart Mendel

Founder and Chief Meditation Officer

Khaydroup Podvoll

Contemplative Practitioner, Meditator & Teacher

Khenpo Dharma Mitra

Meditation & Buddhist Philosophy Teacher

Virginia – Retired writer

The Journey levels are proceeding well – very high quality content! I love meeting the all-star cast of meditators.

Tom Epler is a meditator who has learned the benefits of practice

Tom Epler – Writer

Mindworks practice has helped me to discover space around my thoughts and emotions. I’m also learning to respond thoughtfully and not react habitually. The courses are nicely structured and are presented by a thoughtful, experienced, and diverse team of trainers. Mindworks is a very accessible way to establish, maintain, and deepen your practice.

Siobhán – Registered Nurse

I would like to say how much I’m enjoying the courses. I’m finding the whole process and practice illuminating, fascinating and profoundly meaningful…..thank you!