Thank you, this is a very good question. In Buddhism we believe in the law of Karma. This is also known as cause and effect. According to Buddhist cosmology, each and every one of us has had countless previous lives. In these lives, we have engaged in either positive or negative actions. Positive actions mean those that benefit others, and negative actions means those that harm others, not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. These previous actions are the cause, and the results are the circumstances we go through in this life and in future lives. Therefore Buddhism places a lot of emphasis on teachings of karma. That is why people undergo so much suffering, even those that are good people. The difference is that those who are good, do not engage in negative actions so do not create more negative karma to suffer from in the future. However, both good and bad people have negative karma.
In Buddhism a lot of emphasis is placed on the purification of negative karma so that we do not suffer from its effects. This is necessarily included in all Buddhist meditation practices that focus on the Buddhas. Within Buddhism there are also practices centred on Dharma protectors such as Dorje Shugden. These practices help to purify this negative karma and create conducive conditions for our spiritual practice. You can read more about the role of Dharma protectors here: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/overview/what-is-a-dharma-protector.
O Duldzin, King of the Dharma, I thank you for your kindness. Your body is the synthesis of all Sangha …
- H.E. Gyara Tulku Rinpoche
Understanding our nature, Great Wisdom Being Dorje Shugden please hold us close to your bosom as an only child to …
- H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche
I am grateful to my friends/students always. Therefore I think always how to repay their kindness in this life and …
- H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche
Just thinking of you clears all obstacles, Mighty Gyalchen Shugden who accomplishes activities, Accept this oceanic torma offering of samaya …
- H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche
Dorje Shugden is very close to the Gelugpa and Sakyas but being an enlightened being, a Buddha, he has no …
- H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche
The sun of all Conquerors’ wisdom emanating as wrathful Manjushri; who bestows all attainments of the four activities as wished …
- Kyabje Dagpo Kelsang Khedrub
In our country, there was a great Mahasiddha Buton Rinchen Drub. He was also the Dharmapala [Dorje Shugden].
- H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche
Dorje Shugden always helps, guides, and protects pure and faithful practitioners by granting blessings, increasing their wisdom, fulfilling their wishes, …
- H.E. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Robes of a monk, crown adorned with rhinocerous leather hat, Right hand holds ornate club, left holds a human heart, …
- H.H. the 5th Dalai Lama
Dorje Shugden, you are Manjushri. Your power of keeping the Dharma is like Vajrapani. Vajrapani holds the secret teachings. Vajrapani …
Answer from Pastors
Pastors
August 14, 2016 #1 AuthorDear Brehanna Walker,
Thank you, this is a very good question. In Buddhism we believe in the law of Karma. This is also known as cause and effect. According to Buddhist cosmology, each and every one of us has had countless previous lives. In these lives, we have engaged in either positive or negative actions. Positive actions mean those that benefit others, and negative actions means those that harm others, not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. These previous actions are the cause, and the results are the circumstances we go through in this life and in future lives. Therefore Buddhism places a lot of emphasis on teachings of karma. That is why people undergo so much suffering, even those that are good people. The difference is that those who are good, do not engage in negative actions so do not create more negative karma to suffer from in the future. However, both good and bad people have negative karma.
In Buddhism a lot of emphasis is placed on the purification of negative karma so that we do not suffer from its effects. This is necessarily included in all Buddhist meditation practices that focus on the Buddhas. Within Buddhism there are also practices centred on Dharma protectors such as Dorje Shugden. These practices help to purify this negative karma and create conducive conditions for our spiritual practice. You can read more about the role of Dharma protectors here: http://www.dorjeshugden.org/overview/what-is-a-dharma-protector.
You can also watch a very good teaching on karma here: http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/discovering-yourself-a-teaching-on-karma-mindstream.html. I hope this helps.
Thank you.