THE ROLE OF KARMA AND BELIEF IN JUSTICE AMONG NEPALESE PEOPLE

 

The concept of karma, rooted deeply in Hinduism and Buddhism, profoundly influences Nepalese cultural understandings of justice and moral order. Karma, broadly defined as the law of moral causation—where good or bad actions lead to corresponding outcomes—shapes how many Nepalese interpret personal fate, social justice, and ethical behavior. This belief system plays a dual role in both reinforcing social norms and affecting attitudes toward formal justice mechanisms.

In traditional Nepalese society, karma serves as a spiritual framework that explains misfortune, success, and social inequalities as consequences of past actions, sometimes extending beyond a single lifetime (Gellner, 2001). This worldview encourages acceptance and patience, promoting social harmony by reducing overt conflict. For instance, victims of injustice or hardship may find solace in believing their suffering is karmic retribution, which can foster resilience and moral reflection (Pettigrew, 2004).

However, this same belief may also undermine pursuit of formal justice. The attribution of personal or societal problems to karma can lead to passivity and acceptance of inequality, especially in cases of caste discrimination, gender-based violence, or poverty (Khadka, 2015). Such a perspective risks legitimizing systemic injustice by framing it as morally deserved, thus impeding social change and legal redress (Bista, 1991). Critics argue that over-reliance on karmic explanations can discourage activism and critical questioning of social structures.

Moreover, the intertwining of karma with local notions of justice also reflects in informal dispute resolution practices in Nepal, such as community mediation and panchayat systems, where restorative rather than punitive approaches prevail (Shrestha, 2013). These mechanisms emphasize reconciliation and moral correction over formal legal processes, reflecting karmic ideas of balance and renewal.

Recent modernization and legal reforms, including human rights advocacy, challenge the dominance of karmic beliefs by promoting universal justice principles and individual rights (ICNL, 2019). The Nepalese judiciary and civil society increasingly confront tensions between traditional beliefs and contemporary legal frameworks. Nonetheless, karma remains a powerful cultural lens influencing how justice is perceived and enacted at the grassroots level.

In conclusion, the belief in karma significantly shapes Nepalese conceptions of justice by fostering moral reflection and social harmony but also by potentially enabling complacency toward injustice. Understanding this dual role is essential for designing effective legal and social interventions that respect cultural values while promoting equity and rights.

 

REFERENCES

Bista, D. B. (1991). Fatalism and Development: Nepal's Struggle for Modernization. Orient Longman.

Gellner, D. N. (2001). Resistance and the State: Nepalese Experiences. Berghahn Books.

ICNL (International Center for Not-for-Profit Law). (2019). Legal reform and human rights in Nepal: Challenges and progress. ICNL Report Series.

Khadka, C. (2015). Caste, karma, and justice: An ethnographic study in Nepal. South Asian Journal of Social Sciences, 10(2), 65–78.

Pettigrew, J. (2004). Living with karma: Belief and practice in Nepal. Journal of Buddhist Ethics, 11, 215–234.

Shrestha, M. (2013). Informal justice and community mediation in Nepal: The role of traditional values. Law and Society Review of Nepal, 5(1), 40–57.