Kamma, Karuna and Metta Flashcards
1
Q
What is kamma
A
- ethical principle that explains how a persons actions lead to either happiness or suffering. It teaches that its not just the action thats important but the motivation behind it
- motivates Buddhists to behave in a way that will increase their own and others’ happiness
2
Q
what are skilful actions
A
- buddhism speaks of ‘skilful’ actions which are rooted in generosity, compassion and understanding
3
Q
what are unskilful actions
A
- and ‘unskilful’ actions which are rooted in craving, hatred and ignorance
4
Q
concept of kamma in Buddhism
A
- kamma explains how the intentions behind a persons actions lead to happiness or suffering
- skilful actions lead to happiness and unskilful actions kead to suffering
- kamma shows that people are not punished or rewarded by their actions but rather by them
5
Q
Kamma applied to rebirth
A
- teaches that a persons actions in their life not only affect their happiness and suffering right now but will also affect their future lives
- depending on their kamma, they will be reborn ito one of the six realms: tormented beings, hungry ghosts, angry gods, animals, gods or humans
- by developing skilful mental states and actions buddhists not only live happier life but lay ground work for a favourable rebirth
- hope to be reborn in human realm as it is believed its the best realm for reaching enlightenment
6
Q
Buddhist ethics
A
- kamma central to buddhist ethics
- persons own behaviour causing their hapines or suffering is motivation to live more skilful way - can be empowering
7
Q
karuna context
A
- Karuna(compassion) is feeling concerned for the suffering of other people and want to relieve their suffering
- one of FOUR SUBLIME STATES - 4 qualitues buddha taight for all buddhists to develop
- particularly important in mahayana buddhism who view is as essential to becoming bodhisattva
8
Q
what is karuna?
A
- compassion shown to the suffering of everyone in the world
- this means feeling concern for the suffering of others, almost as if its your own
- wanting others to be free from suffering and trying to relieve it
- recognising when you are suffering and acting with compassion towards yourself
- recognising that a person cannot be truly happy while others suffer
9
Q
Importance of karuna in Buddhism
A
- one of 4 sublime states
- these explain how Buddhists should act towards themselves and others
- the four states are: loving - kindness, compassion, sympathetic-joy and equanimity
- compassion is an important quality for Buddhistss to develop
- in mahayana buddhism it is a crucial quality required to become a bodhisattva
10
Q
ROKPA example
A
- rokpa is tibetan word meaning ‘help’ or ‘friend’
- charity set up in 1980 and are motivated by acting compassionately towards others
- rokpa ivolved in projects in Zimambwe, Nepal and Tibet
- helps to run school and provide education to thousands
- teach children about the value of compassion
- aims to help families out of poverty through better education
- believe that helping people is the way to bring about real and lasting change
- show karuna by helping those who suffer
11
Q
metta context
A
- metta (loving-kindness) is a desire for others to be happy
- metta can be developed through loving - kindness meditation
- leads to hapiness and peace
12
Q
what is metta?
A
- one of 4 sublime states
- a loving, kind, friendly attitude towards oneself and all beings
- does not depend on the goodness of others or expect any thing in return
- should be cultivated even towards people who act unskilfully
- aim to develop it towards themselves and others.
13
Q
metta effects and impact
A
- reduces tendency to act out of negative emotions
- makes person more caring and more likely to love unconditionally
- this leads to feeling of peace so there is no need for ill will or hostility
- helps buddhists overcome suffering by overcoming 3 poisons
14
Q
differences between metta and karuna
A
- metta is general desire for other people to be happy
- karuna arisses when metta comes into contact with a specific person who is suffering e.g when someone wants to hep their freind after an accident
- metta is an attitude of warmth and kindness that buddhissts try to feel towards others e.g when someone wnats their friends to be happy.
15
Q
loving kindness meditation
A
- helps buddhists to develop an attitude of metta
- often consits of five steps
- five steps are different types of people in meditators life
- the meditator might visualise these people or imagine one of these people looking happy
- they might reflect on the positive qualities of the person and any acts of kindness they have done
