Tonight my dad and I went for our first Buddhism seminar. It was a 2hr night talk + Q&A at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, by australian Venerable Tenzin Palmo, on the topic of Karma & Rebirth.
Some take-home messages:
1) Karma is really our "action" (verbal/mental/physical); while Vipaka is the resulting "fruit" (consequence/reaction).
2) For every event that occurs, there will follow another event whose existence was caused by the first, and this second event will be pleasant or unpleasant depending on whether the cause of our past actions have been 'skilful' (without craving/resistance/delusions) or 'unskilful' (with craving/resistance/delusions) .
3) We are constantly creating new karma, moment by moment. Hence we are constantly shaping (and re-shaping) how our future is going to be.
4) There will always be rebirth. In all forms, throughout all realms.
5) ...
Dad & I (and mum too) respect all religions.
We do not believe in forcing any religion down anyone's throats (and minds), nor do we wish religion to be forced upon us. We believe simply in trying to live life as 'correctly' as we can (by not doing bad things), and letting the rest take care of themselves.
All religions set out to teach people to be good. As long as you find your peace in one, just carry on. Even if you are atheist, if you are a peaceful atheist who does good, I'd say just carry on too.
May all beings be well and happy.
1 comment:
fully agree with you.
Simply cannot understand y some people like to 'sell' their religion. I too, do not believe in forcing any religion down anyone's throats (and minds), nor like religion to be forced upon me.
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