Executive Summary: Karma of Abortion
A case study from the Dream in Dream Kindergarten emphasizing the terrifying karmic consequences of abortion. This severe violation of the first precept (Panatipata) devastates mental health, brings ruin to one’s life, and results in agonizing punishment in the netherworld.
1. A Fatal Decision
In her youth, this woman experienced an unplanned pregnancy. Driven by fear of social disgrace and a lack of responsibility, she decided to have an abortion. This act of taking an innocent human life is one of the heaviest forms of negative karma. The harrowing image of that day became deeply embedded in her mind, breeding a profound guilt that silently tormented her throughout her life.
2. The Retribution of Karma
- Life Failures and Illness: In her current life, this karma acted as a magnet for obstacles and misfortune. Her family life fell apart, her businesses failed, and most notably, she suffered from severe uterine and ovarian diseases. She had to undergo painful surgeries, experiencing a physical agony mirroring the destruction of the fetus she aborted.
- The Netherworld of Panatipata: Upon passing, if the karma remains unresolved, her inner body is dragged into the netherworld attached to the 1st Major Hell. Hell wardens will bind her to a red-hot iron bed and use sharp iron instruments to repeatedly gouge and disembowel her, forcing her to endure the exact pain inflicted upon the aborted child.
- Rebirth Difficulties: When she finally serves her sentence and returns to the human realm, the residual karma will cause frequent miscarriages or infertility. Furthermore, if reborn as a fetus, she will likely be subjected to abortion herself or die in the womb, continuously paying off her karmic debt of life.
3. Spiritual Solutions
Luang Por Dhammajayo strongly advises that abortion is the killing of a human and carries immense negative karma. However, those who have made this mistake must immediately stop dwelling on their guilt, as depression only attracts more negative karmic energy. Instead, they must strictly observe the 5 precepts, frequently release animals to grant life, chant, meditate, and diligently dedicate all accumulated merit to the deceased child. This continuous request for forgiveness (Ahosi Kamma) is the only way to dilute the heavy karmic retribution.
