I'm still waiting for Donald Trump to reap his karma, wonder why it's taking so long?! Seriously -- it's kind of amazing how long he has escaped any real consequences for his negative and harmful actions.
I had never seen the list of 10 "Negative Actions" called exactly that, though I've seen those same actions included in the 10 precepts of Mahayana Buddhism. I was just at a beautiful ceremony at Upaya Zen Center yesterday where everyone in attendance renewed those precepts, it's always a moving ceremony. In the White Plum lineage (Maezumi Roshi and Glassman Roshi), they are framed as the "10 Pure Mind Practices," you can see them here: https://www.upaya.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/UPAYA-precepts.pdf
It's always fascinating how these foundational Buddhist teachings can be interpreted and offered in so many diverse ways. But at the heart, the teachings are the same, I believe.
Trump has a lot of good luck in his natal birth chart, which may explain why he's skated so far. I agree, it's mind-boggling. I trust his karma will ripen though it may not be in ways that we expect. I hope something will happen soon to stop him from harming so many people.
I took that wording from the book Words of My Perfect Teacher, but the full title was 10 Negative Actions to be Avoided, so I've updated that to be more accurate. I've also heard them called unwholesome actions. I like they way they have been reframes as th 10 Pure Mind Practices. That makes it more user friendly! I'll check them out.
I found the foundational teachings powerful and they do exist across traditions as far as I understand. If we get these right, it will serve us well moving forward.
I often think he embodies the trickster archetype, meant to significantly disrupt the status quo so that we can collectively raise global consciousness. While I believe that, I think his mission is complete, and it's time for his reign of terror to end so we can rebuild what he and his minions have destroyed. It's astonishing and heartbreaking.
I continue to wonder when Donald Trump will reap what he has been sowing. However, I think this too is important. Donald Trump and his organization are preternaturally talented when it comes to PR. You will never, ever hear the Trump organization share anything remotely negative about Trump or anything connected with his name. I think, actually, Donald Trump has endured a lot of failure and bad outcomes. We just never hear about it. I suspect after he dies or leaves the public spotlight, we'll learn about all the negative, failures, and generally crazy stuff he created. But that is still a few years out. We may need to endure another 4 years of this. I think we simply aren't seeing his karma.
Judy, This is an important point that most of us have probably never considered. We just see his seemingly non-stop luck, but you're right - he has had many failures.
Sandra and Maia, from a Tantric yoga perspective, I also see the thread connecting the traditions. Karma can be easily misunderstood, especially in Western culture, where many teachings are commercialized.
Thank you, Paulette. I know karma is important in Tantric yoga, but I don't know if it's explained the same way. I agree; karma can be misunderstood. But when understood correctly, it means the power is in our hands!
I love that passage from Shantideva. It's a great reminder to pay attention to our states of mind. We can experience a hell realm now or a blissful, pure land.
I'm still waiting for Donald Trump to reap his karma, wonder why it's taking so long?! Seriously -- it's kind of amazing how long he has escaped any real consequences for his negative and harmful actions.
I had never seen the list of 10 "Negative Actions" called exactly that, though I've seen those same actions included in the 10 precepts of Mahayana Buddhism. I was just at a beautiful ceremony at Upaya Zen Center yesterday where everyone in attendance renewed those precepts, it's always a moving ceremony. In the White Plum lineage (Maezumi Roshi and Glassman Roshi), they are framed as the "10 Pure Mind Practices," you can see them here: https://www.upaya.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/UPAYA-precepts.pdf
It's always fascinating how these foundational Buddhist teachings can be interpreted and offered in so many diverse ways. But at the heart, the teachings are the same, I believe.
Maia, Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Trump has a lot of good luck in his natal birth chart, which may explain why he's skated so far. I agree, it's mind-boggling. I trust his karma will ripen though it may not be in ways that we expect. I hope something will happen soon to stop him from harming so many people.
I took that wording from the book Words of My Perfect Teacher, but the full title was 10 Negative Actions to be Avoided, so I've updated that to be more accurate. I've also heard them called unwholesome actions. I like they way they have been reframes as th 10 Pure Mind Practices. That makes it more user friendly! I'll check them out.
I found the foundational teachings powerful and they do exist across traditions as far as I understand. If we get these right, it will serve us well moving forward.
Wishing you a happy Sunday.
I often think he embodies the trickster archetype, meant to significantly disrupt the status quo so that we can collectively raise global consciousness. While I believe that, I think his mission is complete, and it's time for his reign of terror to end so we can rebuild what he and his minions have destroyed. It's astonishing and heartbreaking.
or perhaps build/grow something new...
Yes, it seems we need to do just that.
I continue to wonder when Donald Trump will reap what he has been sowing. However, I think this too is important. Donald Trump and his organization are preternaturally talented when it comes to PR. You will never, ever hear the Trump organization share anything remotely negative about Trump or anything connected with his name. I think, actually, Donald Trump has endured a lot of failure and bad outcomes. We just never hear about it. I suspect after he dies or leaves the public spotlight, we'll learn about all the negative, failures, and generally crazy stuff he created. But that is still a few years out. We may need to endure another 4 years of this. I think we simply aren't seeing his karma.
Judy, This is an important point that most of us have probably never considered. We just see his seemingly non-stop luck, but you're right - he has had many failures.
Sandra and Maia, from a Tantric yoga perspective, I also see the thread connecting the traditions. Karma can be easily misunderstood, especially in Western culture, where many teachings are commercialized.
I appreciate the clarity of explanation, Sandra.
Thank you, Paulette. I know karma is important in Tantric yoga, but I don't know if it's explained the same way. I agree; karma can be misunderstood. But when understood correctly, it means the power is in our hands!
I love that passage from Shantideva. It's a great reminder to pay attention to our states of mind. We can experience a hell realm now or a blissful, pure land.
Charles, Exactly. So much depends on how we perceive. Cancer can be life-changing for one person or a complete defeat for another.
I loved My Name is Earl. Delivered beautiful ideas with a deceptive corn dog package.
Thanks, Judy! Loved your description!
Great article. I'm a budding Buddhist and your piece was clear and helpful in grasping the idea of karma which can be a little confusing 😤
Issac, I'm so glad it helped! Wishing you well on your new journey. Thanks for stopping by.