Karma Relaxes
( I grew up in this house in Howell, New Jersey. The house is still there. I left this place at 15 to hitch-hike to California to practice Dharma freely without constraints. )
I cannot comment on other religions, but before we conclude so easily on karma, its effects, how it comes, goes and latent karma, dormant karma, you study first. Study the texts on karma and how Buddha describes it for us. It will be much easier to apply to this situation and every situation in your life.
People should go online and listen to the YouTube teachings where His Holiness Dalai Lama has explained karma. It is an eye opener. Do a google search, find and study, read and learn. Make an effort…Take 2-3 years to study the vast teachings of Buddha thoroughly and then debate, discuss and recommend.
Buddhism is the religion I was born into, but I didn’t accept it because I was born into it…but I studied for the last 30 years. I was very lucky to live in Howell, New Jersey nearby one of the greatest living masters of this century (Kensur Lobsang Tharchin) at Rashi Gempil Ling on East 5th Street. This great master even spoke English. I, along with a group of students and some Kalmucks took the time, went there to listen to the discourses and learnt about my religion more. I didn’t want to just pray and I did not want to be swallowed up by the thoughts of mainstream Americans. I do not want to just repeat what mainstream Americans believed in because I have my own heritage, I thought at the time. Nothing wrong with Americans, but I am Kalmuck-Mongol-Tibetan. I have an identity, my forefathers have a deep religious doctrine they brought to America, and I needed to search into my roots, my religion and who I was…I started by studying as a young boy in Rashi Gempil Ling.
Now I accept Buddhism NOT BECAUSE it is my cultural roots, but due to decades of study, contemplation and investigation, I found it quite logical, sensible and it fits me. Especially the doctrine on Karma. It explains SO MUCH. Everyone would be amazed. It puts your mind at rest, answer so many questions, and enough to be at rest with.
Tsem Rinpoche
Dear Rinpoche,
I feel very much the same with Buddhism. I grew up in an environment where religion wasn’t really practised at all. At school we learned about God and I attended Sunday school for a while, but it all felt like simply going through the motions. I don’t think I’ve ever attended an actual church service. In the end though, I was put off religion because of the lack of clear explanations, and also because of the idiotic conflict, divisions and violence that occurred between protestants and catholics.
But I was always fascinated by spirituality (though, I didn’t know that’s what it was, when I was younger) and always believed there was much more to life than people saw and experienced around them. I studied Christianity, and briefly Islam and Hinduism, but these, for me, had something missing – holes were too easily picked in places.
When I studied Buddhism, it seemed straight-forward. Anything I contemplated or put into practice straight away, the expected conclusions and results were there. There are elements of Buddhism that don’t resonate with me (mainly the esoteric practices and rituals – but that’s simply a cultural difference), but the teachings of Buddha are very simple, very easy to understand and extremely clear.
What I like most about the Buddha’s teachings are his encouragements to always investigate for yourself and take whatever works for you (Kalama Sutta). The freedom that exists in Buddhism, with respect to other religions, seems to lack in others. There is no “you must…” but only, “here is why…check for yourself…”
I feel very fortunate to have found your teachings online and find inspiration through them to establish roots in Buddhism in the hope that I can continue to better myself through application of Buddha’s teachings. I agree with the Dalai Lama – religion isn’t essential, but as you’ve said, it’s possible to learn to drive without an instructor – eventually you get there – but you’ll learn to drive far quicker if you have someone there to guide you along.
For all that you’ve done, Rinpoche, I’ll always be grateful. I’m also grateful for those great masters who passed the teachings onto you, and also to the great masters from all the traditions and lineages (such as Ven. Ajahn Chah and Thich Nhat Hanh) who have helped spread the Dharma to many people and continue to do so.
Kind regards,
Sandy
You are right about studying, I agree.I am currently reading Liberation in the palm of your hand and I am so happy cause with every page I understand more, and after 2 or 3 weeks , if yo go back on what you read you understand even more …
You are saying that you do not acccept Buddhism because of Your cultural roots but because of study , contemplation and investigation; still, I think there is also the affinity, which in the beginning when one is not very much aware presents itself as attraction; so, I think it is fair to say that it is a cobination of bouth affinity and study.
Keep being the inspiration You are,
Raluca
Both my parents practiced different religions. My father is Buddhist while my mother is a Christian. When i was growing up, I was brought to Sunday mass at the Church and eventually I went through all the Christian rites of initiation.
I first came across Buddhism through the many free distribution booklets my dad brought back from the Thai temple in Jalan Gasing. The chief monk of another Theravaden temple, Ven Dharmananda wrote prolifically. However, due to my age, I couldn’t relate nor understand many of the concepts defined by this great monk. At this time, I found Buddhism spartan and technical. Nevertheless, I found it to be intriguing. I only rediscovered Buddhism when I attended a talk by Tsem Rinpoche. It answered so many questions, doubts and opened my mind up to much possibilities.
Buddhism is very practical and it offers a lot of tools for self-reflection and self-improvement. I am not the best proponent of it but I do see and I get inspired by many who have embraced it, found meaning and have made tremendous strides in it. Thank you Rinpoche for the Dharma.
I was baptised when I was one month old, my mum is a Christian and she took me for the ceremony. I was educated in a Christian school since young but had never been interested in the bible and would always like to argue with the teacher during bible class. I always questioned while there was only one mighty God. And if God loves all his children, then why God does not give every single one of us an equal start….
And the wisemen at the church would tell me then this is becasue God loves those and want them to be stronger and so the challenges are bestowed on them. I wonder then why God not do the same to everyone??? Since God loves all…..I was never satisfied with the answers from these wisemen then.
Then when I met Tsem Rinpoche some ten years ago, all the years of doubts, confusions, and un-answered questions were lifted during one of his teachings on karma and merits.
I clicked instantly and felt much affinity on the logic behind buddha’s teachings. If one wants to be reminded of karmic consequences, the “wheel of sharp weapons” is a very good read.
Like what David said above, Buddhism is very practical and offers a lot of tools and means for self reflection and improvement.
I like the following quotes form Albert Einstein and would like to share with you all :
“Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future: It transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology; it covers both the natural and spritual; and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity.” -Albert Einstein
“If there is any religion that would cope with modern scientific needs it would be Buddhism.” -Albert Einstein
It is so true, Karma is logical and sensible. We are but our own karma, our own creation. At the same time liberation is in our own hands too! And Buddha has shown us the way to go. What is left is our tenacity to follow.