Karma: Intentional Action
16. *Karma: Intentional Action
Dictionary Definition: Karma is categorized within the group or groups of cause, in the chain of cause and effect, where it comprises the elements of "volitional activities" and "action". Any action is understood as creating "seeds" in the mind that will sprout into the appropriate result when met with the right conditions. Most types of karmas, with good or bad results, will keep one within the wheel of samsara, while others will liberate one to nirvana. (Wikipedia)
My Definition: Karma is the intention behind the action, not the action itself. It’s up to you how to use your life. One’s karma is one’s intentional action.
Journal Entry February 28th: It was interesting for me to count how many times a day I tell someone karma after something happens to them. After talking about it in class, I decided to count for a week how many times I say it. It made me notice that my actions have an affect on other’s actions. A couple of my friends started watching what they did around me because I said that to them so much. If I caused them dukkha by intentionally saying karma, will that give me karma?
16. *Karma: Intentional Action
Dictionary Definition: Karma is categorized within the group or groups of cause, in the chain of cause and effect, where it comprises the elements of "volitional activities" and "action". Any action is understood as creating "seeds" in the mind that will sprout into the appropriate result when met with the right conditions. Most types of karmas, with good or bad results, will keep one within the wheel of samsara, while others will liberate one to nirvana. (Wikipedia)
My Definition: Karma is the intention behind the action, not the action itself. It’s up to you how to use your life. One’s karma is one’s intentional action.
Journal Entry February 28th: It was interesting for me to count how many times a day I tell someone karma after something happens to them. After talking about it in class, I decided to count for a week how many times I say it. It made me notice that my actions have an affect on other’s actions. A couple of my friends started watching what they did around me because I said that to them so much. If I caused them dukkha by intentionally saying karma, will that give me karma?
"Only by letting go can we possess what is truly real"
Letting Go
17. *Letting Go/Detachment
Dictionary Definition: Indifference to worldly concerns; Freedom from bias or prejudice (Merriam-Webster)
My Definition: Indifference to the small irritators throughout daily life. Being able to see the small dukkha as exactly that and not allowing it to affect your moments of experience in any way. Not allowing second arrows and useless thoughts to cloud your mind so you are able to see each moment exactly how that moment is.
Journal Entry January 22nd: I found it very interesting that in Ricard’s article he pointed out that a key common factor when you ask a number of people to describe their “perfect” happiness is the momentary disappearance of inner conflicts.
Journal Entry February 12th: Looking back at quotes that resonated with me from the Ricard reading I found: “ When I was twenty, words like happiness and benevolence did not mean much to me…But I didn’t have much sense of how to lead my life except playing it by ear, day in and day out. I somehow felt that there was a potential for flourishing in myself, and in others, but had no idea about how to actualize it.” (Pg. 14, Ricard). This is a perfect description of where I am in life currently. I have adopted the philosophy that in order to enjoy my experiences and be in the here and now, I need to let go of worrying about my future plans. I am living my life playing it by ear for the time being and making sure I catch the small things I usually disregard.
17. *Letting Go/Detachment
Dictionary Definition: Indifference to worldly concerns; Freedom from bias or prejudice (Merriam-Webster)
My Definition: Indifference to the small irritators throughout daily life. Being able to see the small dukkha as exactly that and not allowing it to affect your moments of experience in any way. Not allowing second arrows and useless thoughts to cloud your mind so you are able to see each moment exactly how that moment is.
Journal Entry January 22nd: I found it very interesting that in Ricard’s article he pointed out that a key common factor when you ask a number of people to describe their “perfect” happiness is the momentary disappearance of inner conflicts.
Journal Entry February 12th: Looking back at quotes that resonated with me from the Ricard reading I found: “ When I was twenty, words like happiness and benevolence did not mean much to me…But I didn’t have much sense of how to lead my life except playing it by ear, day in and day out. I somehow felt that there was a potential for flourishing in myself, and in others, but had no idea about how to actualize it.” (Pg. 14, Ricard). This is a perfect description of where I am in life currently. I have adopted the philosophy that in order to enjoy my experiences and be in the here and now, I need to let go of worrying about my future plans. I am living my life playing it by ear for the time being and making sure I catch the small things I usually disregard.
Loving/Kindness
18. * Loving Kindness (One of the Four Immeasurables)
Dictionary Definition: Tender and benevolent affection. The demonstration of love or great care. The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. A kind act. (Wikipedia)
My Definition: Looking at each situation with a compassionate viewpoint and a want to help. It is demonstrating generosity with no alterior motives, just the true joy of helping others for the good of the whole.
Journal Entry April 16th: As I get further and further into my major of political science, I am realizing that I look at things not from an emotional and compassionate viewpoint, but an analytical viewpoint. Through realizing this, maybe I could bring more compassion and loving kindness when looking at politics? I wanted to be the passionate politician who is trying to make a difference and cares but in the process I am becoming desensitized and loosing the unique passion that I had for wanting to solve issues. When watching the Boston bombings unfold, I did not look at it from a compassionate, "so many people were injured I hope that they are okay, who could do this" way, I looked at it from a "wow, that was not a terrorist's work because it was sloppy in the placement of the bombs, they did not go off at a time pattern, they were homemade pressure cooker bombs, and everyone is making a big deal about it but what about all of the people killed in the Middle East that day or the people killed in the earthquake that day, we did not even hear about them" viewpoint. Without even realizing it, I am becoming desensitized.
18. * Loving Kindness (One of the Four Immeasurables)
Dictionary Definition: Tender and benevolent affection. The demonstration of love or great care. The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. A kind act. (Wikipedia)
My Definition: Looking at each situation with a compassionate viewpoint and a want to help. It is demonstrating generosity with no alterior motives, just the true joy of helping others for the good of the whole.
Journal Entry April 16th: As I get further and further into my major of political science, I am realizing that I look at things not from an emotional and compassionate viewpoint, but an analytical viewpoint. Through realizing this, maybe I could bring more compassion and loving kindness when looking at politics? I wanted to be the passionate politician who is trying to make a difference and cares but in the process I am becoming desensitized and loosing the unique passion that I had for wanting to solve issues. When watching the Boston bombings unfold, I did not look at it from a compassionate, "so many people were injured I hope that they are okay, who could do this" way, I looked at it from a "wow, that was not a terrorist's work because it was sloppy in the placement of the bombs, they did not go off at a time pattern, they were homemade pressure cooker bombs, and everyone is making a big deal about it but what about all of the people killed in the Middle East that day or the people killed in the earthquake that day, we did not even hear about them" viewpoint. Without even realizing it, I am becoming desensitized.