Rubin Museum of Art

Karma

The functioning of cause and effect across time. Buddhists believe that everything we experience is the result of past actions, and everything we initiate has future consequences. Karma encourages actions to bring about positive outcomes and a better future.

Art 14 Spiral 10

Untitled (Wheel of Existence)

2012

Tibet, 18th century

Tibet, early 20th century

Tibet or Mongolia, 19th century

Woodblock for Printing Prayer Flags

Himalayan Region, ca. 19th–early 20th century

Ushnisavijaya and Celebration of Old Age (Jyatha Janko)

Nepal, 19th century

Stories of Previous Lives of the Buddha (Jataka)

Tibet, 18th century

Stories of the Noble Deeds (Avadana), After a Set Designed by Situ Panchen (1700–1774) Illustrating Kshemendra’s Avadanakalpanada

Kham Province, Eastern Tibet, 19th century

Tibet, 13th century

Renunciation, from a set of the Twelve Deeds of the Buddha, After a woodblock carved in Derge, Kham region, eastern Tibet, composition attributed to Purbu Tsering of Chamdo (active ca. late 19th century)

Kham Region, Eastern Tibet, 20th century

Buddha Shakyamuni and Stories of his Previous Lives

Tibet, mid-late 14th century

Buddha Shakymuni and scenes from his life

Tsang Province, Central Tibet, second half of the 14th century

Crocheted Cloth Cover Prayer Bead

Burma, 20th century

Buddha Shakyamuni

Sculpture: China; Throne: Central Tibet, Sculpture: 1403-1424; Throne: ca. 13th century

The Returned: When Death Is Not the End

In Tibetan tales and popular culture the dead have a way of coming back with a purpose

Pop Culture Buddhism Magazine

The Power and Purpose of Human Intention in Buddhism

Good intentions offer the possibility of liberation in Buddhism

Meredith Monk + Robert Thurman

Ephemerality, karma, and the place where Buddhism, artistic expression, and environmental concerns intersect.

Art That Demonstrates Our Unity with the Natural World

Interconnection with the environment is prevalent in Himalayan art

Environment Traditional Himalayan Art

Laurie Anderson + Gavin Schmidt

Artist Laurie Anderson and climatologist Gavin Schmidt discuss climate change.

Damien Echols + Sensei T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki

An excerpt from the on-stage conversation series Karma: Cause, Effect, and the Illusion of Fate.

A Bishop and a Buddhist Walk into a Museum

Two thought leaders consider the intersection of spirituality and global challenges

Religious Perspectives

Karma 101: The Buddhist Wheel of Life

Everyday lessons for a changing world

Buddhism Traditional Himalayan Art Art Up Close

Karma: Eddie Stern + Chris Martin

The Coldplay frontman on Karma: Cause, Effect, and the Illusion of Fate.

Inspired by Karma: Speakers Sound Off

Some thoughts on making the world a better place

Personal Perspectives