Relationship between Karma and Free Will

I'm dealing with some problems in philosophy and I was wondering if anyone could comment on the relationship between Karma and Free Will.

Are there people who believe that we have total free will to act or are we reacting to predetermined events? Do you also believe in Karma? Then, what is the relationship to that and either your Free Will or Deterministic beliefs?

If you act contrary to Karma, does this limit your Free Will? Challenge it?

What are your experiences with Karma vs decision making? (if you feel you have decision making power)

Free Will is generally accepted but there are determinists out there as well as a mix, those called compatibalists.

Hope you can help! Thanks.

Re: Relationship between Karma and Free Will

I suggest you read the following two blogs on Gaia. If you have any further questions even after reading these blogs, I would be glad to discuss with you.

Fate, Free Will, and the Laws of Karma

More thoughts on Laws of Karma

Humbly,
Bhatta

Re: Relationship between Karma and Free Will

G'day Michael,

I don't think you can separate free will and karma.

Logically free will is freedom to choose between the choices on offer at any particular time which will depend on your circumstances.

Karma, the universal principle of reaping what you sow is going to determine the circumstances you find yourself in according to choices you have previously made.

Simple really.

Re: Relationship between Karma and Free Will

Well, I personally believe that man has free will, yet is either accumulating karma or paying it off, depending on the decisions and actions he makes.  Yet, I also believe in the law of Grace, which can overcome karmic debt.   

Re: Relationship between Karma and Free Will

   I am not so certain about Karma, it doesn't fit with innocent babies getting cancer from birth, innocents being abused and killed, or with marine mammals being killed by our detritis or pollution, or those who commit awful crimes and get away with it. Yes we have choices, I think it has more to do with returning us to oneness, our interdependence, unconditional love and compassion, for no other way will put a stop to the awful things that can happen the further we stray from that unity. Sometimes we make choices for the common good of all even if it means personal sacrifice. Sometimes we walk away from what we desire because it would cause too much pain for others. Sometimes it's not all about Me, but about We. We can choose to be selfish or otherwise, the creator gave us free will so that in the end we come home willingly out of choice and not coercion.

Re: Relationship between Karma and Free Will

I don't know if this will help, but here's a song we wrote about it:

FREE WILL
(Greg Tamblyn, Richard Helm)

I can choose, to refuse, this piece of chocolate cake
But what mind, is behind, this decision that I make?
Conscious, or unconscious, am I a puppet of my soul?
It's free will, until, something takes control

Advertising, programming, addiction, DNA
Karma, dharma, evolution, destiny, or fate
My heart or my mind, or my little inner voice
I believe in free will, because I have no choice

I can't stop loving you, or maybe I just won't
My Funny Valentine, I need you, want you, or both
These reproductive urges make me ask when life begun
Would I be another person if a different sperm had won?

Advertising, programming, addiction, DNA
Karma, dharma, evolution, destiny, or fate
My heart or my mind, or some little inner voice
I believe in free will, because I have no choice

These factors all compete to see just where my future's at
It's making me so tired I think I'll go take a nap
But wait a minute, who is it, that makes me even want to?
I believed in free will, till I decided not to

© 2009 Ramblin' Tamblyn Music, BMI
Taylor-Helm Music, ASCAP