Monthly Archives: July 2016

Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, Writing, Zen

On guilt and remorse

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Zen, Ego, Guilt.

Lou's avatarZen Flash

In Buddhism, the words ‘soul’ or ‘spirit’ are rarely used; instead, teachings refer to ‘mind’ and ‘consciousness’. Because there is no creator God in Buddhism, no sense of a supreme Judge or Deity-in-charge, but rather an acceptance that life is determined by constantly evolving causes and conditions- karma- there is no concept of sin either, in the sense in which it is understood in most religions, as a transgression of God’s will. The emphasis instead is on personal accountability for moral conduct. Robina explains that guilt is dismissed as a function of the ego, anger turned inward, a destructive emotion; this is quite distinct from remorse, which requires true acceptance of responsibility for one’s actions and a sincere effort to discover what changes for the better are needed.

Robina is a Buddhist nun, a Ani, working in the British prison system.  From the book “The Saffron Road”,By Christine Toomey. Portobello…

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Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism

Total Liberation – via The Great Middle Way

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Once infinite loving kindness has been developed,

frequently practiced, firmly established, expanded,

made a vehicle, a foundation, and brought to full perfection,

then it will be impossible for ill-will to take possession of and obsess the mind,

for infinite loving kindness is the release from all ill-will!

Once great compassion has been developed,

frequently practiced, firmly established, expanded,

made a vehicle, a foundation, and brought to full perfection,

then it will be impossible for cruelty to take possession of and obsess the mind,

for great compassion is the release from all cruelty!

Once rejoicing in the happiness of others has been developed,

frequently practiced, firmly established, expanded,

made a vehicle, a foundation, and brought to full perfection,

then it will be impossible for discontent to take possession of and obsess the mind,

for rejoicing in the happiness of others is the release from all discontent!

Once serene, still, and imperturbable equanimity has been developed,

frequently practiced, firmly established, expanded,

made a vehicle, a foundation, and brought to full perfection,

then it will be impossible for greed and lust to take possession of and obsess the mind,

for imperturbable equanimity is the deliverance from all attachment!

—Buddha Shakyamuni

Source: Total Liberation