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the SELF and Karma

namahbuddhanamahbuddha
edited December 2010 in Buddhism Basics
I can imagine maybe there is already a thread like that if it is the case just ignore my question or maybe send me a link to the thread because I couldn't find it. My question is:

If there is not such a thing as the self why do I need to worry about karmic imprints in my next life? Because surely this personality of mine will no longer exist. thank you all.

(By the way I love this website)

Comments

  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited December 2010
    there IS such a thing as Self. there is also Not-Self.
    You depend upon your Self to give you auspicious re-birth.

    Your Not-self are the bits of you which will disintegrate.

    Note:
    This is so over-simplified, you may well be able to shoot this down in flames.
    I expect somebody will.
    But there is a duality which has to be considered, even if it is impermanent and without substance.

    Ok, I'm done.
    I'm going to lie down, now.
  • YesheDorjeYesheDorje
    edited December 2010
    The consciousness and it's karmic imprint is what does carry into the next rebirth.
  • CloudCloud Veteran
    edited December 2010
    As it is not you that is reborn, but you do condition a rebirth, it is new sentient beings that you dump your karma on (and this continues on). Thusly, by awakening now in this life, you save countless sentient beings from Samsara. You can also do your part by helping to alleviate the suffering of others through compassion. This is slightly different than most bodhisattvas think their path is, in saving countless beings future births into Samsara by liberating the stream of consciousness here-and-now. :)
  • TheJourneyTheJourney
    edited December 2010
    I have a rough idea on this, but I have no idea how to word it, and I don't even fully understand it, and i'm not sure if it's accurate. Needless to say, it's not a cut and dry super easy to understand thing, in my opinion anyways.
  • fivebellsfivebells Veteran
    edited December 2010
    The easy way to understand it is to abandon speculation about what happens after you die and focus on what it means for this life.
  • CinorjerCinorjer Veteran
    edited December 2010
    namahbuddha wrote: »
    I can imagine maybe there is already a thread like that if it is the case just ignore my question or maybe send me a link to the thread because I couldn't find it. My question is:

    If there is not such a thing as the self why do I need to worry about karmic imprints in my next life? Because surely this personality of mine will no longer exist. thank you all.

    (By the way I love this website)

    Why, indeed?

    In fact, your question shows an insight into the nature of the self. Very well done! How about bringing the focus a little closer to home.

    If there is not such a thing as the self, why do I need to worry about karmic imprints right now? What is it that creates the karma? What is it that receives the karmic imprints?

    Same question, really, and same answer. But it's in the here-and-now, this time. How would you answer it?
  • namahbuddhanamahbuddha
    In the here and now I really don't have the answer what I do see in the here and now is lots of people taking advantage of others, rich countries making their richness over the misery of other countries. Lots of people who don't believe in reincarnation and feel they are the favourite of some kind of God and based on that build a little gold castle just for themselves and apparently there is no law coming back to claim the things they took from others.

    This is what my limited eye and mind can watch on the news everyday. What I want to believe though is that there is a karma law logical and exact and whatever is given will be received back. but by who if the self is not there.

    thanks for all your answers.
  • CinorjerCinorjer Veteran
    In the here and now I really don't have the answer what I do see in the here and now is lots of people taking advantage of others, rich countries making their richness over the misery of other countries. Lots of people who don't believe in reincarnation and feel they are the favourite of some kind of God and based on that build a little gold castle just for themselves and apparently there is no law coming back to claim the things they took from others.

    This is what my limited eye and mind can watch on the news everyday. What I want to believe though is that there is a karma law logical and exact and whatever is given will be received back. but by who if the self is not there.

    thanks for all your answers.
    You say you don't have the answer, and that is very important. It's called the "don't know" mind in my tradition, and only from that primary point can you begin to experience the clear mind necessary to cut off all karma.

    Yes, you watch the news and read the internet, and find out that rich and powerful people are playing their power games. Those who have much are addicted to selfish desire and the poor get trampled on. When in the long history of humanity has this not been the state of the world?

    The Buddha did not say that the problem in the world was bad or evil people, only that all people were afflicted with selfish desires. What he gave us was a prescription for a disease of the mind, not a moral code. It's only that some people are in a position to hurt many more people as they try to feed their desires.

    So what can I do about the problems of the world? Don't know. I vote when possible and donate what I can to worthy causes. Does it help? Don't know. But my neighbor's husband died several days ago, leaving her all alone. There, I can help with taking over some food and spending a few minutes just talking.


  • namahbuddhanamahbuddha
    Thanks for your post,Cinorjer! I have never thought that way , about how every single person is driven by desire and aversion not just the powerful ones. thanks!
  • ChrysalidChrysalid Veteran

    If there is not such a thing as the self why do I need to worry about karmic imprints in my next life? Because surely this personality of mine will no longer exist. thank you all.
    You don't need to worry, just feel compassion for the future rebirth who has to deal with your karma.
  • [DeletedUser][DeletedUser]
    edited December 2010
    If you have truly realized and attained that there is not such a thing as the self! Your worry become enlightenment and karmic imprints become the imprints of absolute compassion and benevolence. The answer is self explanatory.
    The true self has transformed into deluded self and it is this illusional & virtual self that is receiving.
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