In Mahayana Buddhism the time component of “LIFE” is understood to be a self-replicating instantiation of discrete moments arising and then dissipating (cycle of life and death) in rapid succession like the definition of a “line” in mathematics ( a locus of points). Remember that points are locations only, not actually “stuff”. Okay, now that I’ve said that I must also say that these instantiations of energy are called karma, or more accurately, the amalgams of energy before instantiation are karma. So; what is Karma really?
Karma;
Commonly, this word is interpreted as action. I prefer to explain karma as components of action. There are two kinds of karma (most also teach this) . One is fundamental karma that begins as very minute collections of energies from potential. If you research “virtual particles” in Physics, you can visualize this Quantum environment. When energies collect faster than the speed limit of light, they come in and out of existence in what is called “empty” space.
As varied energies amalgamate they form inertia toward manifesting their essences as we latter identify in Buddhism as instantiation of karma. In Buddhism these energies are described early on in the 12 linked causal chain or Nidana. Later, Vasubandhu explained their amalgams into “Skandhas” that combine to form our perceptive identities. This is also described within the concepts of Tien-Tai’s 3000 realms of existence in a single thought moment, and Nichiren reference to Ichinen Sanzen. (I have videos on my YouTube and Patreon channels on this and many subjects about karma).
The second type of karma is created in our Samsaric (conditioned) human lives formed or instantiated by this immense collections of energies. As “conscious” beings we have the opportunity to interact and modify these primal energies to dispel the kinetic energies or redirect them toward a quiescent state of non-instantiated potential. In this way we end “craving” (kinetic energy) to potential energy that frees us from the kinetics of the human mind and brings us clarity to observe life rather than being pushed through life precipitously by the kinetics of instantiation and differentiation; named in Buddhist teachings as the mind of distinctions; also named identification or attachment.
What occurs “to” us, or what our perceptions of actions in our minds and the minds of others, is largely the interactions of countless amalgams of energies as they influence one another. Everything we experience, observe, feel, and our very thoughts, are all the result of our own predilections, and innumerable filters of experience and identification; In other words, Samsara. This identification with other, I, mine, etc. is Samsara. Karma is simply energy. Observing energy is our human experience and a fleeting, temporary opportunity. In short, what we perceive as occurring to others is a false perception of self. There is no separation of self and other.
I hope that helps to understand. This is a big subject and will require more study than I can write in this blog.
Please refer to my YouTube and Patreon channels for video talks on this subject as well as core study materials on my website.
NaMuMyoHoRenGeKyo