Books, like fresh fruits, often sit for a while before being consumed. Some have a short stay at the table, as this had, and get consumed whole, as this did. Perhaps because this was a short book on a narrow subject - search for the origins of the belief that one's karma results in the form of life one begets in the next life. Bronkhorst is a serious scholar: intensive in research and careful with words (his Greater Magadh is masterly). At the same time, he writes with the ease of a scholar who is not eager to impress others or in search of citations. Which means that the language is simple and purposeful.
What we have here is a book that shows that the belief that rebirth is karmic retribution is not Brahmanic in origin. It has some conflicting references in Buddhism, but Buddhism is also not the originator or nurturer of this belief. Instead, it's origins and elaborate exposition are to be found in Jain belief (also shared with Ajivikas) even though the Jain understanding of karma is somewhat more complex than its popular meaning (karma in Jain thought is a coal dust like substance that defiles the soul. Moreover, karma encompasses thoughts, words and deeds. Not just deeds). In short, just like ahimsa (non-injury) towards all because all forms of life seek to live, and moksha (the idea that humans can liberate themselves from the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth), rebirth as karmic retribution is a uniquely Jain contribution to human thought that has over the centuries been co-opted into Brahminical, Buddhist and other streams. Is this controversial? Yes, when first said, but Bronkhorst is not the first person to say this. Karma (the book) merely takes time to narrowly focus on the subject and in that, it is a good book to read. It certainly has enriched my understanding of a complex subject.
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