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The Beginner’s Guide to Karma: How to Live with Less Negativity and More Peace
Two practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism unravel the complexities of karma, an idea widely known but little understood in the modern West
Western science has discovered that the physical world operates according to universal laws of nature, such as the law of gravity and the laws of motion. Twenty-six centuries ago, the Buddha fleshed out the universal law of the spiritual karma. The law of karma holds that our actions, our words, and even our thoughts inevitably produce effects that return to us in some form — in this lifetime or a future one. Today, most Westerners have a passing familiarity with the concept of karma, which amounts to “what goes around comes around.” This is true as far as it goes, but it merely scratches the surface of a complex and fascinating topic.
In The Beginner’s Guide to Karma, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche and Mordy Levine encourage readers to forget what they’ve heard about karma and look at the subject afresh. Delving into Buddhist scripture and tradition, the authors give a comprehensive outline of karma that incorporates psychology, ethics, and metaphysics. Using everyday language and real-life examples, they clear away myths, illustrate how karma works in daily life, and offer daily practices to build positive karma. In the process, they resolve intriguing philosophical questions, such
• Is karma compatible with free will?
• Where is karma stored, and where does it go when we die?
• Can negative karma ever be fully extinguished?
• Is there such a thing as collective karma that affects entire groups of people?
• Is the idea of karma still meaningful if we don’t believe in reincarnation?
In providing the answers, The Beginner’s Guide to Karma neatly sums up the Buddhist worldview and makes a compelling case for Buddhism as a way of life that nurtures compassion, joy, and inner peace in an uncertain world.
Western science has discovered that the physical world operates according to universal laws of nature, such as the law of gravity and the laws of motion. Twenty-six centuries ago, the Buddha fleshed out the universal law of the spiritual karma. The law of karma holds that our actions, our words, and even our thoughts inevitably produce effects that return to us in some form — in this lifetime or a future one. Today, most Westerners have a passing familiarity with the concept of karma, which amounts to “what goes around comes around.” This is true as far as it goes, but it merely scratches the surface of a complex and fascinating topic.
In The Beginner’s Guide to Karma, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche and Mordy Levine encourage readers to forget what they’ve heard about karma and look at the subject afresh. Delving into Buddhist scripture and tradition, the authors give a comprehensive outline of karma that incorporates psychology, ethics, and metaphysics. Using everyday language and real-life examples, they clear away myths, illustrate how karma works in daily life, and offer daily practices to build positive karma. In the process, they resolve intriguing philosophical questions, such
• Is karma compatible with free will?
• Where is karma stored, and where does it go when we die?
• Can negative karma ever be fully extinguished?
• Is there such a thing as collective karma that affects entire groups of people?
• Is the idea of karma still meaningful if we don’t believe in reincarnation?
In providing the answers, The Beginner’s Guide to Karma neatly sums up the Buddhist worldview and makes a compelling case for Buddhism as a way of life that nurtures compassion, joy, and inner peace in an uncertain world.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2024
4 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 12, 2024
Definitely a beginner's guide. Mostly common sense on the topic.
May 31, 2025
A short and very quick read. This book offered a simple explanation of karma as the idea that our actions, good or bad, shape our experiences and inner peace. The book recommends using mindfulness, compassion, and personal responsibility to reduce negativity and create a more peaceful life.
January 25, 2025
This is a great book that neatly sums up Buddhist worldview & makes compelling case for way of being that nurtures compassion, joy, & inner peace in uncertain world.
August 15, 2025
My Thoughts on The Beginner’s Guide to Karma💫
Okay, so when I picked up The Beginner’s Guide to Karma, I honestly thought it’s going to be one of those overly “spiritual” books that sound nice but don’t really tell you how to use it in real life. But nope — this one surprised me. It’s simple, clear, and actually makes sense without making your head spin.🌀
The book quickly clears up the biggest myth we all have — karma is not about “something bad will happen to you because you did something wrong.” It’s about how every thought, word, or action sets something in motion. It made me stop and notice the tiny things I do without thinking.
📚The chapters are short and easy, with simple examples—like planting seeds—that really make you feel how small actions can grow into something big. Somehow, it made this whole big idea feel so real and practical.
What I really liked? It’s not just theory. At the end of each section there are small activities like little pauses, reflection questions, or ways to be more mindful. I actually tried a couple of them and noticed I was calmer and more aware the rest of the day.
It doesn’t preach, just talks about real stuff—relationships, work stress, even being hard on yourself.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading about karma, I was seeing my life differently. I started catching myself before reacting out of habit.
⭐️If you want to understand karma in a way that’s super easy to get and you can actually use in your day, this is a really good start. No heavy philosophy, just useful, relatable stuff.
Okay, so when I picked up The Beginner’s Guide to Karma, I honestly thought it’s going to be one of those overly “spiritual” books that sound nice but don’t really tell you how to use it in real life. But nope — this one surprised me. It’s simple, clear, and actually makes sense without making your head spin.🌀
The book quickly clears up the biggest myth we all have — karma is not about “something bad will happen to you because you did something wrong.” It’s about how every thought, word, or action sets something in motion. It made me stop and notice the tiny things I do without thinking.
📚The chapters are short and easy, with simple examples—like planting seeds—that really make you feel how small actions can grow into something big. Somehow, it made this whole big idea feel so real and practical.
What I really liked? It’s not just theory. At the end of each section there are small activities like little pauses, reflection questions, or ways to be more mindful. I actually tried a couple of them and noticed I was calmer and more aware the rest of the day.
It doesn’t preach, just talks about real stuff—relationships, work stress, even being hard on yourself.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading about karma, I was seeing my life differently. I started catching myself before reacting out of habit.
⭐️If you want to understand karma in a way that’s super easy to get and you can actually use in your day, this is a really good start. No heavy philosophy, just useful, relatable stuff.
March 23, 2025
The Beginner’s Guide to Karma: How to Live with Less Negativity and More Peace by Lama Lhanang Rinpoche and Mordy Levine offers an insightful and refreshing take on the concept of karma, shedding light on how it applies to our everyday lives. The authors successfully clear away common misconceptions, taking readers back to the core teachings of Buddhism. Using accessible language and practical examples, they explain the profound impact of our actions, words, and thoughts on our present and future experiences.
This guide doesn't just explore karma from a spiritual or philosophical standpoint—it integrates psychological, ethical, and metaphysical elements to provide a comprehensive understanding. It emphasizes the importance of building positive karma and shows how compassion, mindfulness, and joy can help cultivate a more peaceful and balanced life. Perfect for both beginners and those familiar with Buddhist teachings, this book offers practical practices to foster positive change and create more harmony in your life. Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth or simply looking to understand how to navigate life with more peace and less negativity, The Beginner’s Guide to Karma is a must-read that offers wisdom in an easily digestible format.
This guide doesn't just explore karma from a spiritual or philosophical standpoint—it integrates psychological, ethical, and metaphysical elements to provide a comprehensive understanding. It emphasizes the importance of building positive karma and shows how compassion, mindfulness, and joy can help cultivate a more peaceful and balanced life. Perfect for both beginners and those familiar with Buddhist teachings, this book offers practical practices to foster positive change and create more harmony in your life. Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth or simply looking to understand how to navigate life with more peace and less negativity, The Beginner’s Guide to Karma is a must-read that offers wisdom in an easily digestible format.
March 7, 2026
A truly inspiring read. I came across this book by chance while browsing through the library, and something about it made me want to pick it up immediately.
It was calming and uplifting to begin my days by reading a few chapters. Though it’s a short book that can be finished in one sitting, it offers thoughtful guidance on practicing good karma, letting go of negativity, and becoming a better human being.
A gentle and meaningful read.
It was calming and uplifting to begin my days by reading a few chapters. Though it’s a short book that can be finished in one sitting, it offers thoughtful guidance on practicing good karma, letting go of negativity, and becoming a better human being.
A gentle and meaningful read.
July 20, 2025
Very clear message and simple read. It's a beginners guide, but if you think about it, it does encompass the deeper message of karma and karma work and possibly all you need to get started on that journey
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August 28, 2025Want to Live with Less Negativity and More Peace?
Want Inspiration for a More Relaxed Home and Work Life?
Then check out The Beginner’s Guide to Karma by Lama Lhanang Rinpoche and Mordy Levine. https://loom.ly/JIJLcew
Want Inspiration for a More Relaxed Home and Work Life?
Then check out The Beginner’s Guide to Karma by Lama Lhanang Rinpoche and Mordy Levine. https://loom.ly/JIJLcew
January 31, 2025
Good short book for Karma.
April 24, 2025
very simply put...it just makes sense
July 22, 2025
I'm not sure what I was expecting from this, but I didn't feel like it gave me anything new to think about.
December 3, 2025
'The Beginner's Guide to Karma: How to Live with Less Negativity and More Peace' written by Lama Lhanang Rinpoche & Mordy Levine
This is a wonderful beginner's guide or refresher on understanding what is karma, how it works, and how we can generate more positive karma and neutralize negative karma.
"Simply put, if you want to change your karma you need to study it first." (Lama Lhanang)
"The concept of Karma pre-dates the birth of Gautama Buddha [the Buddha of our times] by some 2,600 years ago. Karma was first mentioned in the 'Upanishads', which are some of the oldest writings from the early days of Hindu thought, several hundred years before the Buddha's life."
In addition to Hinduism and Buddhism, many other Eastern religions believe in the core principles of Karma, including Jainism, Sikhism, Shintoism, and Taoism.
Karma is a Sanskrit word that means "action". In our [the author's] use of the term it refers both to the action and it's consequenses. While action usually implies physical movement, in the case of karma it refers to the actions of physical movement, speech, or thought. By acting, speaking, or thinking we create karma.
The Buddha's contribution to the understanding and developement of Karma was significant." " ...we can stop our perpetration of negative actions."
" ..intention or motivation is the basis for karma. It is not a mechanistic action."
Buddha taught that karma is far more sophisticated than the simple cause and effect most of us think of.
"Succinctly explains karma in language that is clear and practical. It will help everyone understand this ancient wisdom and how to apply it to bring more positivity to their life."
(Anum Thubten, author of 'The Magic of Awareness' and 'No Self, No Problem')
Lama Lhanang has set up this book so that each chapter is a teaching and at the end of each chapter there is a short exercise to work on. It's easy to use, especially organized so that busy Western minds can take full advantage of these teachings, you know, sort of in "sound bites" where the layperson or householders can work on a little bit at a time and not feel overwhelmed by things, thinking they might have to run off into the forest and contemplate their navels for the next 30 years (but that could work, too, lol).
Anyway, this is a good place to start looking into what does karma mean for you and how you can effect changes in your life, a bit at a time. It doesn't need to be overwhelming; the more you work at this, the more beneficial changes will become apparent.
I suggest to find a competent teacher to work with, one that doesn't mind a boat-load of questions. (grin) Lama Lhanang is a one of those good teachers, plus he does some on-line classes now, too.
NOTE: this is a book that I'm often re-reading; back in my current reading pile.
"Tashi Delek" (May All Be Auspicious)
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
This is a wonderful beginner's guide or refresher on understanding what is karma, how it works, and how we can generate more positive karma and neutralize negative karma.
"Simply put, if you want to change your karma you need to study it first." (Lama Lhanang)
"The concept of Karma pre-dates the birth of Gautama Buddha [the Buddha of our times] by some 2,600 years ago. Karma was first mentioned in the 'Upanishads', which are some of the oldest writings from the early days of Hindu thought, several hundred years before the Buddha's life."
In addition to Hinduism and Buddhism, many other Eastern religions believe in the core principles of Karma, including Jainism, Sikhism, Shintoism, and Taoism.
Karma is a Sanskrit word that means "action". In our [the author's] use of the term it refers both to the action and it's consequenses. While action usually implies physical movement, in the case of karma it refers to the actions of physical movement, speech, or thought. By acting, speaking, or thinking we create karma.
The Buddha's contribution to the understanding and developement of Karma was significant." " ...we can stop our perpetration of negative actions."
" ..intention or motivation is the basis for karma. It is not a mechanistic action."
Buddha taught that karma is far more sophisticated than the simple cause and effect most of us think of.
"Succinctly explains karma in language that is clear and practical. It will help everyone understand this ancient wisdom and how to apply it to bring more positivity to their life."
(Anum Thubten, author of 'The Magic of Awareness' and 'No Self, No Problem')
Lama Lhanang has set up this book so that each chapter is a teaching and at the end of each chapter there is a short exercise to work on. It's easy to use, especially organized so that busy Western minds can take full advantage of these teachings, you know, sort of in "sound bites" where the layperson or householders can work on a little bit at a time and not feel overwhelmed by things, thinking they might have to run off into the forest and contemplate their navels for the next 30 years (but that could work, too, lol).
Anyway, this is a good place to start looking into what does karma mean for you and how you can effect changes in your life, a bit at a time. It doesn't need to be overwhelming; the more you work at this, the more beneficial changes will become apparent.
I suggest to find a competent teacher to work with, one that doesn't mind a boat-load of questions. (grin) Lama Lhanang is a one of those good teachers, plus he does some on-line classes now, too.
NOTE: this is a book that I'm often re-reading; back in my current reading pile.
"Tashi Delek" (May All Be Auspicious)
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews