Are the personality and physical characteristics of a person determined by previous kamma?
A being is born into particular circumstances as a result of his previous kamma. Other factors such as inherited genes and the environment are physical factors necessary for the manifestation of the individuals kamma. Buddhist belief is that, in general, a thought, volition, or desire which is extremely strong during lifetime becomes the predominant factor in determining the subsequent birth. Frequently, strong mental traits are carried over.
