Karma (Chinese: 业力) is a mysterious, hypothetical force that spirit animals believe can alter the functioning of spirit power. The relationships between entities significantly influence its effects. Many unexplained phenomena are often attributed to this, but the truth remains elusive.
Properties
Theoretical hypothesis: Spirit animals have noticed that when relationships between entities become unbalanced, a mysterious force seems to restore a balanced state. This force distorts the functioning of spirit power, leading to various strange and dramatic phenomena. Inspired by the Buddhist concept of “karma and retribution,” spirit animals refer to this hypothetical force as “karma.” However, its existence remains debated among scholars of spirit animals.
Natural Balance: The karma hypothesis suggests that interactions between entities often create imbalances, but nature seeks to restore a balanced state. Karma embodies this natural tendency. Greater imbalances lead to stronger spirit power interference between entities; the spirit power of the “gaining” side tends to compensate for the “losing” side, which happens beyond personal control. Thus, karma is commonly seen as “the power of retribution,” “unseen connections,” or “the law of heaven.”
Other factors: Karma affects not only directly related entities but also those indirectly connected. Spirit animals are more influenced by karma than humans due to its impact on spirit power. Additionally, the motives behind actions also affect karma.
Cultural influence
Spirit animals often link inexplicable phenomena to karma. In China, they have established a moral system known as “the law of heaven (Chinese: 天理),” which posits that those who act against this law (e.g., harming others for personal gain, or or acting out of malice) are likely to face “bad retribution,” while those who act in accordance with it (e.g., sacrificing oneself for others or acting out of kindness) may receive “good retribution.” Although foreign spirit animals offer different interpretations like “the god’s will” or “fate,” the underlying moral principles are similar.
Example
Leiting‘s spirit power is inherited from Feng the Spirit Loong of the Age of Desolation. Feng might have contributed something significant for the later generations. As a result, Leiting’s spirit power can easily affect things related to China; for example, ancient artifacts might “come alive” during her museum visits. And if she uses her spirit power for good and in harmony with the law of heaven, karma will boost her power. However, if used selfishly, she won’t receive any boost, but instead faces “an instant punishment by karma.”
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