This paper reflects on the apparent subjectivity in the creation of wholesome and unwholesome karma. In class, we discussed the Buddha's teachings of what karma is and how it is the universal law of samsara. Although the teachings observe violence against sentinel beings as unwholesome, we often observe acts of violence which are defended as an attempt to achieve a greater good. This defense is relevant only to the ethics and norms of the society in which the act was committed, so how does the universe determine what is skillful and unskillful karma?
             In my opinion, what one believes is morally correct is entirely determined by ones' surroundings and the social norms of the society in which one lives. That is, ones' moral beliefs are dependently co-originated and are only conventional truths. Consider two societies with completely opposing views on the treatment of women. One society believes women are equal to men and should be treated with respect. However, another society may believe that women are to be the subordinates of men and must be physically reprimanded if necessary. The treatment of women in the two societies is drastically different, so are beings born in certain cultures destined to create bad karma?
             To answer this question I had to turn to the teachings of the Buddha. The teachings revealed that it was not the actual action that caused bad karma, but the intentions behind such actions. Therefore, a young male raised in a society that endorsed violence against women should not be subjected to bad karma if his intentions were to follow accepted practices to achieve a socially valued outcome. However, if such a person was open minded they would seek out different social ethics and draw more complete conclusions on what is morally righteous. Believing blindly that ones' ethics and values are the most righteous without exploring alternatives would be an ignorant act. In the Buddha's
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