fixed karma ［定業］ ( jōgō): Also, immutable karma. The opposite of unfixed karma. Karma that inevitably produces a fixed or set result, whether negative or positive. The Dharma Analysis Treasury lists the four causes of fixed karma. They are (1) actions motivated by exceptionally strong earthly desires or by a profoundly pure mind; (2) actions, whether good or evil, done habitually; (3) actions, whether good or evil, performed in relation to such sources of benefit as the three treasures of Buddhism; and (4) actions causing harm to one’s parents. Fixed karma may also be interpreted as karma whose effects are destined to appear at a fixed time. In this case, fixed karma may be of three types depending on when its effects will appear: (1) karma whose effects are destined to appear in the same lifetime; (2) karma whose effects are destined to appear in the next lifetime; and (3) karma whose effects are destined to appear in a third or even later lifetime. As a general rule, lighter karma is said to manifest itself in the same lifetime that it was created, while exceptionally good or bad karma will be carried over into subsequent lifetimes. Fixed karma was traditionally considered unchangeable, but Nichiren states in his writing On Prolonging One’s Life Span, “Karma also may be divided into two categories: fixed and unfixed. Sincere repentance will eradicate even fixed karma, to say nothing of karma that is unfixed” (954).