Buddhism does not teach guilt, regrets or remorse. Buddhism teaches Karma.
What you say matters. What you think matters. What you do matters. Your thoughts, words and deeds create your Karma. Buddhism’s teaches that unhappiness begins with illusion, which is based on earthly desire. Through the thoughts and actions that result from illusion, we create karma, and as a result of that karma, we experience suffering.
The twelve-linked chain of causation is an explanation of how this three-tiered causal relationship (illusion, karma and suffering) applies to the reality of our lives. The eighth clause in the twelve-linked chain is Ai (want). It refers to awareness of feelings of fierce craving that result from pain and pleasure, as when a thirsty person craves water. When pain is sensed, one experiences a strong craving to try to avoid the hateful feeling, and when pleasure is felt, the experience creates an intense desire to try to maintain the sensation. The ninth clause is Shu (taking). It refers to the act of physically or verbally choosing to take or reject something. While the previous clause referred to the heart’s burning desires of love and hatred, “taking” refers to real actions that are taken in response to such emotions. Plundering what one wants, and getting rid of, wounding or killing what one hates, are examples of such actual conduct.*
Karma Lecture – Sunday, Sept 29th
Visit Myosenji Temple this Sunday, September 29th, to hear our Chief Priest explain how your Karma works and how you can eradicate your negative karma and gain absolute happiness in this lifetime.
- Learn how to chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and properly use the Juzu Beads, Buddhist prayer beads.
- Q&A with our Chief Priest.
- The meeting starts at 2:00 pm and concludes around 3:15 pm. Open to the public and free.
- 310 University Blvd West, Silver Spring, MD 20901 entrance on Burnett Ave
If you have decided to become a Buddhist or are interested in learning how to become a Buddhist, after Sunday’s meeting (about 3:30 pm) Rev Sakabe will be performing the Acceptance of the Precept Ceremony, the ceremony where you become a Buddhist.
*Excerpted: Nichiren Shoshu Monthly Magazine, The Twelve-linked Chain of Causation.
