An Analytical Study The Result Of Karma In Lonaphala Sutta

Abstract

This research aims to (1) study the structure and key content of the Lona Phala Sutta, (2) examine the results of kamma in the Tipitaka, and (3) analyze the effects of kamma in the Lona Phala Sutta. The findings reveal that the Lona Phala Sutta is part of the Sutta Pitaka, Anguttara Nikaya, Tikhanibbat, Second Book (Tutiya Pannasaka). It describes two types of persons: those who do not cultivate kaya (body), sila (morality), citta (mind), and panna (wisdom), having little merit and low capacity (atthapada), often suffering from the results of kamma, where even minor bad deeds can lead to niraya (hell); and those who cultivate kaya, sila, citta, and panna, having great merit and high capacity, whose minor bad deeds produce only present-life results without affecting future lives.

Kamma in the Tipitaka is divided into kamma kamma (black kamma), kamma sukamma (white kamma), mixed kamma (both black and white), and neutral kamma (neither black nor white), with different results depending on intention (cetana). The cycle of kamma divides into three types: those yielding results in the present life (ditthadhamma-vedaniya kamma), those yielding results in the next life (uppadana-vedaniya kamma), and those yielding results in subsequent lives (apparapariya-vedaniya kamma).

Persistence in practicing the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana): kayanupassana, vedananupassana, cittanupassana, and dhammanupassana, and following the Noble Eightfold Path (Ariya Atthangika Magga) leads to higher spiritual attainment. Practicing the Brahmacariya through higher moral conduct (adhisila), higher mental development (adhicitta), and higher wisdom (adhipanna) brings merit as noble persons (ariya-puggala).

Analysis of the Lona Phala Sutta shows that those who neglect the Satipatthana often suffer severe karmic results, even from minor bad deeds. However, training in mindfulness can transform them into virtuous persons (kalyana-puthujjana) and progress to noble stages such as sotapanna, sakadagami, anagami, and arahant. Practicing adhisila helps achieve the sotapatti-magga by eradicating three fetters (samyojana); adhicitta helps achieve the sakadagami-magga by eradicating two fetters; and adhipanna helps achieve the arahatta-magga.