Karma : what it is, what it isn't, why it matters / Traleg Kyabgon.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kyabgon, Traleg, 1955-2012, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Karma.

Physical Description:

163 pages ; 22 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Boston, Massachusetts : Shambhala, 2015.

Summary:

"A jargon-free explanation of two central teachings of the Buddha: karma and rebirth. By now, we've all heard someone say, "It must have been his karma" or "She had bad karma." But what is karma, really? Does karmic theory say that we are helpless victims of our past? Is all karma bad, or can there be good karma too? Is reincarnation the same as the Buddhist theory of rebirth? In this short and eminently readable book, Traleg Kyabgon answers these questions and more by elucidating the Buddha's teachings on karma and rebirth. He distinguishes the Buddhist view of karma and rebirth from related notions of karma and reincarnation found in the Hindu tradition, explains why the notion of karma is indispensable to the theory and practice of Buddhism, and demonstrates how karmic theory provides a foundation for morality that doesn't require belief in God. Throughout he shows how to work with karma intelligently to bring about beneficial changes in the way we relate to our thoughts, feelings, and circumstances"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction

The origins of the concept of karma

The Buddha's view of karma

The Yogacara School's contribution to karmic theory

The Bardo teachings on death, intermediate state, and rebirth

No karma

emptiness and the two truths

Meaning in life and the fear of death

Immortality, reincarnation, and rebirth

Karmic theory as a possible foundation for ethics

The empirical aspects of karmic theory and rebirth

Working with karma

Conclusion.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781590308882

1590308883

OCLC:

892581326

Online:

Cover image