Dallas Public Library

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

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 151-153) and index

index present

non fiction

Karma

bibliography

892581326

Traleg Kyabgon

what it is, what it isn't, why it matters

"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

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