Karma is the cause and effect law of the universe.There is no action without reaction.
Buddhism teaches compassion,which would answer Bill from Yeovils quastion.
Be compassionate to all sentient beings,as it is not for us to cast judgements on whether suffering has been self induced.
Non violence is central to the teachings,which is where Buddhism seems to diverge with other manistream religions.
There are simply no ifs,buts or maybes

James Currie,Yoga teacher, Marbella, Espana

Everyone seems to be confused here. Let me state that Buddhism is a teaching based on Noble Eightfold Path explained above. But, Buddha isn't only the Gautama, yet he is the source of strong discipline. For strict discipline, go to dhamma.org It is the art of living; It is a way to live a liberated life. So, some of you are right this isn't a religion to which you have to belong. Vegetarianism is placed an importance in practicing, but some of you require animal fat for extra dietary needs; then you shall make them available for you. Buddhism in its pure sense isn't what you do and what others don't, vice versus. It is your moral capacity that will generate or make peace with the reaction from your wild mind. So, it is up to you, how to practice, or to remain in ignorance. Mind your decision, keep moral integrity, and do no harm through the body, speech or mind. These are the bottom line, and students of buddhism remain humble in practice.

Yoshida, Tokyo, Japan

The straight answer to Bill of Yeovil is, that he's asking the wrong question. 'Karma' is not seen by Buddhists as a system of punishments and rewards: that is a Christian concept, and presumes the persisting existence of a discrete individual to whom such punishments and rewards can be meted out.

Think instead of the mass of all sentient life as an ocean. Karma causes turbulence in that ocean. Nirvana is attained when the ocean becomes a millpond. Not to help someone who is suffering, if one can, is therefore profoundly un-Buddhist, as tending to retard the attainment of Nirvana.

Alan Hook, York,