Is Kamma Predictable?

Sometime back in the forum we had a discussion on several points and one of them revolved around kamma. The question posted - Is kamma predictable? Is it possible for us to predict what sort of kamma will befall on us? For example, if a person is a life-long thief in the present life, is it likely that in the next life, this person will constantly suffer loss of personal property ?

Here are my views posted on the forum based on the limited knowledge i have on the Dhamma. There is nothing mystical about kamma and in fact, my tendency towards kamma is to relate it to our daily activities so it is more personal and relevant. Below is my take on it and if there are any lacking, it is due to my limited understanding.

As long as we have not liberated ourselves and perfect our wisdom and compassion, there is only a limit to how much we can determine the effects of our actions. Let's revisit the meaning of kamma -

Kamma is commonly known as the law of causes and effects. However, it is more than that, the law of causes and effects only form part of kamma. The word kamma implies volition meaning action with intention. Action here will encompass all three aspects, mental, speech and body. With every deed, it is naturally followed by an effect and this is how kamma came to be commonly known as the law of cause and effect.

There are four main types of kamma. They are kamma that rippens in this birth, kamma that rippens in next birth, kamma that rippens in successive births and kamma that is ineffective due to a lack of auxillary conditions.

Kamma is then further divided into the following categories. Kamma that produces their own resultants, kamma that supplements (supports) the resultants of another, kamma that alters the resultants of another and kamma that destroys the resultants of another.

To the question on next life, we cannot be sure that the person who is a thief in this life will always suffer constant loss of property in his next life. We have to bear in mind that for kamma to bear fruits, it is also dependent on the auxillary conditions for the fruits to rippen. Not only that, there are also kamma that one may accumulate to alter or even negate the bad effects of previous actions. As such, not all fruits will rippen, be it this birth, next birth or successive births.

Maybe for illustration purposes, let's use Robin Hood. He constantly robs the rich and gives to the poor. So in robbing others, if kamma is so fathomable and direct and without recourse, he will have to bear the effects of constantly losing his property in his next re-birth. But what about his generosity that he practiced due to compassion for those that are poor and suffering? Wouldn't that help him to ensure that his next birth be in the realms of heaven without material wants and needs. If so, how can he then suffer the kamma of a thief? I leave you to contemplate more on this point.

Instead of thinking about kamma and re-births as in our next lives and beyond, why not think of them in the following manner which is more practical in our day to day living. Esp when Buddha constantly stressed that we should be mindful of here and now since the past has gone and the future yet to be.

1) kamma that rippens in this birth - kamma that rippens this moment / today
2) kamma that rippens in next birth - kamma that rippens in the next moment / tomorrow
3) kamma that rippens in successive births - kamma that rippens many moments later / many days later

By reflecting in this manner, i believe we will be more mindful of our actions and their effects on us, our families, communities and environment here and now. If we are already so mindful of our actions here and now, constantly ensuring that each action was done with right intentions, with love and compassion, why should we worry about our next re-birth? By taking care of now, haven't we already took care of our future?