Is there a neutral state prior to karma?

Buddhist doctrine describes karma as the literal translation, which is “action”. My action is my doing. My karma is my doing. I have been thinking of the karma and nirvana connection and am trying to figure out if there is a neutral state prior to any action, such as neutrons for instance. If there is a neutral state, but this state somehow comes into contact with a negative or positive reaction, this would change the notion of neutrality into an action (karma). Therefore, in order to obtain nirvana, does this mean that a state of neutrality must be achieved? If so, how?