Does suffering itself generate karma?

[Paul Jolley]

Hi folks,

I am aware that suffering is the fruit of accumulated karma, and I have a related query: does suffering itself generate karma? If so, what kind of karma? (assuming that the suffering affects others neither negatively nor positively). Or is suffering simply the way to 'wipe the karmic slate clean(-er)', and nothing more?

The answer to this question might be strikingly obvious, but just not to me .

Thanks,
Paul.

[Guest]

Hello Paul,

This is probably a question where you'll get different answers depending on who you ask.

For me, as I understand karma, the answer is no. What matters is your reaction to your suffering that generates (or not generates) karma.

The answer to this question might be strikingly obvious, but just not to me

The best answers to your questions are the ones that come from yourself, because they are the ones that you internalize and act upon. They are the answers that 'click' and change how you view the world. So get in touch with your heart, ask to be shown the way, study and ponder what resonates with you until you absorb it.

[MaxP]

Sufferation

Hello Paul

You might remember me from Summer Camp last year? I was on the Kung Fu course with you.

"does suffering itself generate karma? If so, what kind of karma? (assuming that the suffering affects others neither negatively nor positively"

My guess is that you can never assume that your suffering never affects others. We are all interconnected in various subtle ways, so if your suffering is seen by others, it is felt by them too.

I think the important thing is to do things now that can lessen both your suffering, and that of others.

Another thing to consider is that, as far I know, when you exist in the phenomenal realm, you are subject to karmic law, so all of your actions, suffering or otherwise, are generating karma.

Hope this helps - thanks to James for that last bit of advice.

All the best,

Max

Namo Amitabha Buddha, Namo Amitabha Buddha, Namo Amitabha Buddha

[Paul Jolley]

The best answers to your questions are the ones that come from yourself, because they are the ones that you internalize and act upon. They are the answers that 'click' and change how you view the world. So get in touch with your heart, ask to be shown the way, study and ponder what resonates with you until you absorb it.

Thank you for your thoughts. I still don't think I have much of a grasp of karma, but I'm confident that study of the Shaolin Arts will appease my curiosities; a change of perspective in the last few days of Chi Kung healing is beginning to happen .

You might remember me from Summer Camp last year? I was on the Kung Fu course with you.

If you have a photo I would certainly recognize you, I'm not that good with names. Are you studying Mandarin/Cantonese?

I think the important thing is to do things now that can lessen both your suffering, and that of others.

I'm on it

Thanks for your thoughts guys.

[Omar]

Hi Paul,

From a intellectualizing point of view, what if you replace the word "karma" and what ever understanding you have to that word with just the mechanical "cause and effect".

A cause will generate an effect. Energy will flow how its directed by mind. "Anicche" (Change).

So to boil it down, the only thing that seems to happen everywhere is change. Energy flow. Good change or bad change? That might just be a choice. Eye of the beholder.

To condense all the intellectual rabble above in my post into something practical; honest good thoughts=good karma

"It is important to always have good thoughts" - Sifu