The Buddha had to explain what action is, what it is possible for human beings to do, and how an understanding of action is really very helpful in acting skillfully.

"So karma’s not one of those teachings that just happened to get attached to the teaching, like a leech from India that somehow latched onto the boat of Buddhism. It’s actually central to everything we do, because the Buddha is teaching a course of action. Putting an end to suffering is something you do. And so he has to explain what action is, what it is possible for human beings to do, and how an understanding of action is really very helpful in acting skillfully."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Mindful of Karma"

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