Difference between revisions of "Introduction to the Karma family"
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| − | [[Karma]] means [[action]], momentum, and {{Wiki|movement}}. Quite appropriately, the [[Wind element]] is also associated with the [[Karma Family]] as well. Just as the [[wind]] can be still and [[calm]], or light, or steady, or powerful and even violent, [[karma]] [[energy]] can act in the same way. | + | [[Karma]] means [[action]], momentum, and {{Wiki|movement}}. Quite appropriately, the [[Wind element]] is also associated with the [[Karma Family]] as well. Just as the [[wind]] can be still and [[calm]], or {{Wiki|light}}, or steady, or powerful and even [[violent]], [[karma]] [[energy]] can act in the same way. |
| − | The passive [[energy]] of the [[Karma family]] is [[Confidence]] and the active [[energy]] is Acting, Moving, Controlling, or [[Transforming]]. This [[energy]] involves the first {{Wiki|impulses}} and the first moments of motion towards "Other" from the position of [[Self]]. | + | The passive [[energy]] of the [[Karma family]] is [[Confidence]] and the active [[energy]] is Acting, Moving, Controlling, or [[Transforming]]. This [[energy]] involves the first {{Wiki|impulses}} and the first moments of {{Wiki|motion}} towards "Other" from the position of [[Self]]. |
Creativity is also involved in this [[energy]]. Therefore the [[body]] part is the groin and {{Wiki|reproductive}} {{Wiki|organs}}. This area of the [[body]] is also connected with Will-Power, [[intention]], {{Wiki|life-force}}, and [[vitality]] which are all part of the [[Karma family]] [[energy]]. | Creativity is also involved in this [[energy]]. Therefore the [[body]] part is the groin and {{Wiki|reproductive}} {{Wiki|organs}}. This area of the [[body]] is also connected with Will-Power, [[intention]], {{Wiki|life-force}}, and [[vitality]] which are all part of the [[Karma family]] [[energy]]. | ||
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The term "[[Cause and Effect]]" is not a good translation of the term [[Karma]]. This came about from [[people]] who had little [[understanding]] of [[Buddhism]] combined with [[people]] who had little [[understanding]] of English. A better term that is now being used is "[[Dependent Arising]]". | The term "[[Cause and Effect]]" is not a good translation of the term [[Karma]]. This came about from [[people]] who had little [[understanding]] of [[Buddhism]] combined with [[people]] who had little [[understanding]] of English. A better term that is now being used is "[[Dependent Arising]]". | ||
| − | [[People]] around [[Buddha's]] [[time]] and earlier had words that contained very large [[Wikipedia:concept|concepts]], so that the term "[[Karma]]" or "[[Action]]" also included the circumstances that arose with the [[action]] and everything that arose as a result of the [[action]]. A whole set of circumstances arises together. Included in that [[arising]] is our own tendency or impulse. This is our completing [[karma]] from the {{Wiki|past}} coming to [[fruition]]. How we respond to those circumstances and how we respond to our own {{Wiki|impulses}} becomes our Throwing [[karma]] which then creates or reinforces [[conditions]] for the {{Wiki|future}}. That is the real [[definition]] of [[Karma]]. | + | [[People]] around [[Buddha's]] [[time]] and earlier had words that contained very large [[Wikipedia:concept|concepts]], so that the term "[[Karma]]" or "[[Action]]" also included the circumstances that arose with the [[action]] and everything that arose as a result of the [[action]]. A whole set of circumstances arises together. Included in that [[arising]] is our [[own]] tendency or impulse. This is our completing [[karma]] from the {{Wiki|past}} coming to [[fruition]]. How we respond to those circumstances and how we respond to our [[own]] {{Wiki|impulses}} becomes our Throwing [[karma]] which then creates or reinforces [[conditions]] for the {{Wiki|future}}. That is the real [[definition]] of [[Karma]]. |
We need to [[recognize]] that [[thoughts]] and [[feelings]] are [[actions]]. Complete stillness is what happens before [[thoughts]], [[feelings]], and [[perceptions]] and so, from that viewpoint, even a [[thought]] is an [[action]]. Thanks to [[Shamata]] [[meditation]], we develop the ability to {{Wiki|perceive}} the [[space]] in which [[thought]], [[speech]], and [[action]] take place. We can therefore become {{Wiki|aware}} of the very beginnings of the [[actions]] of [[thinking]] and [[feeling]]. Because of that, we can determine the final {{Wiki|expressions}} of our [[thoughts]] and [[feelings]]. That extra [[sense]] of [[space]] allows us to catch neurotic {{Wiki|expressions}} before they are completed and change them into [[wise]] {{Wiki|expressions}} of the same [[energy]]. | We need to [[recognize]] that [[thoughts]] and [[feelings]] are [[actions]]. Complete stillness is what happens before [[thoughts]], [[feelings]], and [[perceptions]] and so, from that viewpoint, even a [[thought]] is an [[action]]. Thanks to [[Shamata]] [[meditation]], we develop the ability to {{Wiki|perceive}} the [[space]] in which [[thought]], [[speech]], and [[action]] take place. We can therefore become {{Wiki|aware}} of the very beginnings of the [[actions]] of [[thinking]] and [[feeling]]. Because of that, we can determine the final {{Wiki|expressions}} of our [[thoughts]] and [[feelings]]. That extra [[sense]] of [[space]] allows us to catch neurotic {{Wiki|expressions}} before they are completed and change them into [[wise]] {{Wiki|expressions}} of the same [[energy]]. | ||
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When we resist or [[feel]] a lack of [[Karma]] [[energy]], we can become envious and [[jealous]] of the {{Wiki|abilities}} and acquisitions of others. We can avoid or deny the need for things that require too much [[effort]] or we avoid setting goals that we [[feel]] are too involved for us. | When we resist or [[feel]] a lack of [[Karma]] [[energy]], we can become envious and [[jealous]] of the {{Wiki|abilities}} and acquisitions of others. We can avoid or deny the need for things that require too much [[effort]] or we avoid setting goals that we [[feel]] are too involved for us. | ||
| − | When we are overwhelmed by [[Karma]] [[energy]] then we develop low [[self-esteem]]. We develop the [[feeling]] that we do not have the ability, [[intelligence]], drive, or circumstances to get what we want or need. We [[doubt]] our own {{Wiki|abilities}}, and we develop [[doubt]] about all aspects of the workings of the [[world]] around us. | + | When we are overwhelmed by [[Karma]] [[energy]] then we develop low [[self-esteem]]. We develop the [[feeling]] that we do not have the ability, [[intelligence]], drive, or circumstances to get what we want or need. We [[doubt]] our [[own]] {{Wiki|abilities}}, and we develop [[doubt]] about all aspects of the workings of the [[world]] around us. |
The [[Wisdom]] of [[Karma]] is Creativity and [[Skillful]] [[Action]]. We [[recognize]] all of the resources that are at our disposal for the process of creation. We [[recognize]] the value of creating [[causes]] and [[conditions]] in a deliberate [[manner]] because we know ahead of [[time]] what the results will be. This includes the [[feeling]] of [[joy]] in the process of creation. | The [[Wisdom]] of [[Karma]] is Creativity and [[Skillful]] [[Action]]. We [[recognize]] all of the resources that are at our disposal for the process of creation. We [[recognize]] the value of creating [[causes]] and [[conditions]] in a deliberate [[manner]] because we know ahead of [[time]] what the results will be. This includes the [[feeling]] of [[joy]] in the process of creation. | ||
| − | The Quality associated with the [[Karma family]] is Perseverance. We continue to make [[effort]] until we achieve whatever goal we have set. It includes [[Enthusiasm]], because we [[recognize]] that all we need to do to obtain something is to create the proper [[causes]] and [[conditions]]. Perseverance and [[Enthusiasm]] help to counteract [[Envy]], [[Jealousy]], and low [[self-esteem]]. We [[recognize]] that obtaining the [[object]] of our [[desire]] or achieving our goal comes automatically once the proper [[causes]] and [[conditions]] are set in motion. | + | The [[Quality]] associated with the [[Karma family]] is Perseverance. We continue to make [[effort]] until we achieve whatever goal we have set. It includes [[Enthusiasm]], because we [[recognize]] that all we need to do to obtain something is to create the proper [[causes]] and [[conditions]]. Perseverance and [[Enthusiasm]] help to counteract [[Envy]], [[Jealousy]], and low [[self-esteem]]. We [[recognize]] that obtaining the [[object]] of our [[desire]] or achieving our goal comes automatically once the proper [[causes]] and [[conditions]] are set in {{Wiki|motion}}. |
| − | The {{Wiki|colour}} associated with the [[Karma Family]] is green. This is the green of springtime, the season of creativity and reproduction. [[Karma]] [[energy]] is warm and stirring. It represents growth and [[accomplishment]]. | + | The {{Wiki|colour}} associated with the [[Karma Family]] is [[green]]. This is the [[green]] of springtime, the season of {{Wiki|creativity}} and reproduction. [[Karma]] [[energy]] is warm and stirring. It represents growth and [[accomplishment]]. |
| − | The [[Buddha]] of the [[Karma Family]] is [[Amoghasiddhi]]. He represents Skillfulness and [[purified]] [[Intention]]. His [[Consort]] is SamayaTara who represents creativity and the [[purified]] [[wind element]]. They are both green in {{Wiki|colour}}. [[Green Tara]] is usually the one prayed to in [[Tibetan Buddhism]] for the removal of {{Wiki|obstacles}}. | + | The [[Buddha]] of the [[Karma Family]] is [[Amoghasiddhi]]. He represents Skillfulness and [[purified]] [[Intention]]. His [[Consort]] is SamayaTara who represents {{Wiki|creativity}} and the [[purified]] [[wind element]]. They are both [[green]] in {{Wiki|colour}}. [[Green Tara]] is usually the one prayed to in [[Tibetan Buddhism]] for the removal of {{Wiki|obstacles}}. |
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
[http://www.peacefulgarden.ca/teachings/The5Wisdoms/Karma/01-Karma.html www.peacefulgarden.ca] | [http://www.peacefulgarden.ca/teachings/The5Wisdoms/Karma/01-Karma.html www.peacefulgarden.ca] | ||
[[Category:Karma Family]] | [[Category:Karma Family]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:48, 19 November 2022
Karma means action, momentum, and movement. Quite appropriately, the Wind element is also associated with the Karma Family as well. Just as the wind can be still and calm, or light, or steady, or powerful and even violent, karma energy can act in the same way.
The passive energy of the Karma family is Confidence and the active energy is Acting, Moving, Controlling, or Transforming. This energy involves the first impulses and the first moments of motion towards "Other" from the position of Self.
Creativity is also involved in this energy. Therefore the body part is the groin and reproductive organs. This area of the body is also connected with Will-Power, intention, life-force, and vitality which are all part of the Karma family energy.
Intention is the Collection associated with the Karma Family. This involves our goals, values, and will-power. It includes the feelings of capability and incapacity. It concerns all of the things that motivate us or compel us to think, speak, and act. This includes our habitual tendencies which is our Karma.
The term "Cause and Effect" is not a good translation of the term Karma. This came about from people who had little understanding of Buddhism combined with people who had little understanding of English. A better term that is now being used is "Dependent Arising".
People around Buddha's time and earlier had words that contained very large concepts, so that the term "Karma" or "Action" also included the circumstances that arose with the action and everything that arose as a result of the action. A whole set of circumstances arises together. Included in that arising is our own tendency or impulse. This is our completing karma from the past coming to fruition. How we respond to those circumstances and how we respond to our own impulses becomes our Throwing karma which then creates or reinforces conditions for the future. That is the real definition of Karma.
We need to recognize that thoughts and feelings are actions. Complete stillness is what happens before thoughts, feelings, and perceptions and so, from that viewpoint, even a thought is an action. Thanks to Shamata meditation, we develop the ability to perceive the space in which thought, speech, and action take place. We can therefore become aware of the very beginnings of the actions of thinking and feeling. Because of that, we can determine the final expressions of our thoughts and feelings. That extra sense of space allows us to catch neurotic expressions before they are completed and change them into wise expressions of the same energy.
When we grasp at or are carried away by this energy, we are usually restless and full of busy-ness. We also tend to be paranoid, because we're always afraid that we are going to miss something, or that there are things that are not getting done that need to be done. There is a very strong need to always be in control or to try to be aware of and control everything.
When we resist or feel a lack of Karma energy, we can become envious and jealous of the abilities and acquisitions of others. We can avoid or deny the need for things that require too much effort or we avoid setting goals that we feel are too involved for us.
When we are overwhelmed by Karma energy then we develop low self-esteem. We develop the feeling that we do not have the ability, intelligence, drive, or circumstances to get what we want or need. We doubt our own abilities, and we develop doubt about all aspects of the workings of the world around us.
The Wisdom of Karma is Creativity and Skillful Action. We recognize all of the resources that are at our disposal for the process of creation. We recognize the value of creating causes and conditions in a deliberate manner because we know ahead of time what the results will be. This includes the feeling of joy in the process of creation.
The Quality associated with the Karma family is Perseverance. We continue to make effort until we achieve whatever goal we have set. It includes Enthusiasm, because we recognize that all we need to do to obtain something is to create the proper causes and conditions. Perseverance and Enthusiasm help to counteract Envy, Jealousy, and low self-esteem. We recognize that obtaining the object of our desire or achieving our goal comes automatically once the proper causes and conditions are set in motion.
The colour associated with the Karma Family is green. This is the green of springtime, the season of creativity and reproduction. Karma energy is warm and stirring. It represents growth and accomplishment.
The Buddha of the Karma Family is Amoghasiddhi. He represents Skillfulness and purified Intention. His Consort is SamayaTara who represents creativity and the purified wind element. They are both green in colour. Green Tara is usually the one prayed to in Tibetan Buddhism for the removal of obstacles.
