Phala is a Sanskrit term that means “fruit” of one's actions in Hinduism and Buddhism. In Buddhism, the following types of phala are identified:

Within Hinduism

In Hinduism, the term phala is translated as fruition, results, effects. In Hindu literature, a phalashruti is a meritorious verse that describes the benefits of listening to a given text and details its greatness. The Yoga-Sûtra of Patañjali (verse 2.36) states:

Within Buddhism

Within Buddhism, the term phala is used to refer to the fruition or results of actions according to the doctrine of karmic action and result.

Alternate translations

The term phala is translated as:

Ariya-phala

The term Ariya phala is used to refer specifically to the fruition of following the Buddhist path. The fruition for each of the four levels of the path is identified as follows:

Maha-phala

The term Maha-phala refers to the ten "Great fruits" of the contemplative life. According to the Samaññaphala Sutta, the 10 “Great fruits” (DN 2) are:

Comparison to Christianity

The fruit (phala) of Buddhism and Hinduism are comparable the charisms of Charismatic Christianity which are known as the "sign-gifts” of the Holy Spirit, which are the charisms of prophesy, healing, and speaking in tongues, as described in St Paul's Epistle, 1 Corinthians, Chapters 12 and 14 and elsewhere.

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