Want to Read
Rate this book
1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars
Karma: What It Is, What It Isn't, Why It Matters
by
Traleg Kyabgon
4.19 · Rating details · 240 ratings · 28 reviews
A jargon-free explanation of two central teachings of the Buddha: karma and rebirth.
The Buddha’s teaching on karma (literally, “action”) is nothing other than his compassionate explanation of the way things are: our thoughts and actions determine our future, and therefore we ourselves are largely responsible for the way our lives unfold. Yet this supremely useful teaching is often ignored due to the misconceptions about it that abound in popular culture, especially oversimplifications that make it seem like something not to be taken seriously. Karma is not simple, as Traleg Kyabgon shows, and it’s to be taken very seriously indeed. He cuts through the persistent illusions we cling to about karma to show what it really is—the mechanics of why we suffer and how we can make the suffering end. He explains how a realistic understanding of karma is indispensable to Buddhist practice, how it provides a foundation for a moral life, and how understanding it can have a transformative effect on the way we relate to our thoughts and feelings and to those around us. (less)
A master of Tibetan Buddhism cuts through prevalent misconceptions around karma and rebirth to get to the root cause of our suffering—and how we can end it
The Buddha’s teaching on karma (literally, “action”) is nothing other than his compassionate explanation of the way things are: our thoughts and actions determine our future, and therefore we ourselves are largely responsible for the way our lives unfold. Yet this supremely useful teaching is often ignored due to the misconceptions found in popular culture, especially oversimplifications that make it seem like something not to be taken seriously. Karma is not simple, as Traleg Kyabgon shows, and it’s to be taken very seriously indeed.
In this book, Kyabgon cuts through the persistent illusions we cling to about karma to show what it really is—the mechanics of why we suffer and how we can make the suffering end. He explains how a realistic understanding of karma is indispensable to Buddhist practice, how it provides a foundation for a moral life, and how understanding it can have a transformative effect on the way we relate to our thoughts and feelings and to those around us.
GET A COPY
Kobo
Online Stores ▾
Book Links ▾
Paperback, 160 pages
Published June 30th 2015 by Shambhala
ISBN
1590308883 (ISBN13: 9781590308882)
Edition Language
English
Other Editions (9)
All Editions | Add a New Edition | Combine...Less DetailEdit Details
FRIEND REVIEWS
Recommend This Book None of your friends have reviewed this book yet.
READER Q&A
Ask the Goodreads community a question about Karma
Be the first to ask a question about Karma
LISTS WITH THIS BOOK
This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »
COMMUNITY REVIEWS
Showing 1-30
Average rating4.19 ·
Rating details
· 240 ratings · 28 reviews
More filters
|
Sort order
Sejin, start your review of Karma: What It Is, What It Isn't, Why It Matters
Write a review
Feb 04, 2018St Fu rated it liked it
Hard to give a ratings when your karma is on the line. Rate it too high and you attract those who won't find it helpful. Too low and it may dissuade those who should read it from doing so. Luckily intent is important. I'm trying. I went with the middle way of 3 stars.
The takeaways for me are:
1) Don't avoid good karma just because your goal is no karma.
2) You need your bad thoughts to have something to turn away from.
3) Being in the world isn't to be avoided.
In particular, number 3 says not to think too mystically about things. Better to stay with how things present themselves instead of getting caught up in trying to transcend. Especially because it's just ego to be "more spiritual than thou." (less)
flag6 likes · Like · comment · see review
Jun 16, 2017C. Varn rated it it was amazing
This is a great book in that it messages to explain the complications of an often misunderstood Buddhist doctrine, but Kyabgon goes further and explains the pre-Buddhist developments of the concept and contrasts Buddhist ideas of karma with its development in Hinduism and, in the second half of the book, contrasts and compares with Christian doctrines as well. Kyabgon makes more references and explains in the concept in a rational way, but does "modernize" the traditional concept in a way that changes it. Kyabgon also shows the various developments and shifts in the meaning of idea of Karma in its development in classical Indian and Tibetan Buddhism without invalidating other Buddhist understandings or denying significant developments and differences. An excellent book. (less)
flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review
Apr 29, 2015Analouise Keating rated it it was amazing
An insightful, deeply considered discussion of karma and related teachings. Highly recommended.
flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review
Jun 20, 2020Kevin rated it liked it · review of another edition
I began reading this book very quickly. I had to stop, read Peter Pan, and then start over and read this book very slowly. It did not really help me.
The 10th - and final - chapter begins with this sentence: "Karma is a very complicated topic in one sense, as we have seen, and yet we do not wish to become more confused than we already are."
That statement sums up this book for me. I give the topic a 5, the book a 2, overall a 3.0. (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Feb 18, 2018Russell Paradis rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites
This book taught me so much about karma. It really helped me shed the notions of what I thought it was. This book has a clear and very simple way of explaining how a belief in or even just an openness to karma can enrich our lives. The discussion on perspectives of death in Christianity and Buddhism are very beneficial for those of us who will die someday. Haha (just a little Buddhist humor)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jun 06, 2019John rated it really liked it
I was interested in the concept of karma even before I married a devout Buddhist. But since then, I have become even more curious about it. I wanted to find out more about karma than simply what is said and thought in mainstream American culture. As it turns out, karma is a very complex idea that is not easily understood. The author tries to explain it from a historical perspective, and eventually he turns to the Buddhist perspective, both from the Buddha's own teachings but also how things have developed in Buddhist cultures. I am still not clear about exactly what karma is, although I have a better understanding after reading the book. The author is most successful in arguing that following karma is a much more persuasive idea for why people should act in positive ways rather than negative. He argues, and I agree, that teaching right from wrong without there being any connection to whether behaving in a right way is beneficial is not helpful. The way it works with karma is that acting justly comes back to us in real and tangible ways and is thus in our best interest. He makes a lot of sense.
I wish there had been more examples given for different circumstances we find ourselves in our self-centered age. Overall it was a good book for learning more about karma. Having said that, I think I will continue reading other sources on karma. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Dec 02, 2019Sam rated it really liked it
Shelves: philosophy, spirituality
Rinpoche Traleg Kyabgon's final completed book. Written in his usual measured, accessible and precise style. A relatively short introductory level book outlining some of the complexities and misconceptions surrounding the central Buddhist idea of Karma.
Like many westerners, I struggle with some aspects of reincarnation, but this teacher gently points the way past this hang up towards a paradoxical balance between continuity of causality, yet discontinuity of 'identity' in reincarnation.
Fascina ...more
flagLike · comment · see review
Dec 28, 2020Ann J rated it it was amazing
Recommends it for: the Buddhism-curious, people interested in the concepts of "mindfulness" and "karma"
Wonderful book to end the year, and I will read it again in the new year.
"Buddhism regards the negative aspect of karma as ensuing from a lack of cultivation. Our behavior is governed by our unthingingness; we act in a distracted state, out of habit, almost unconsciously. By seeing the other side of it and learning to cultivate karma, addressing those habits we need to address, becoming more reflective, karma becomes a liberating conept. When fresh thoughts pop into our mind, they enter a certain present mental condition, and whether they take root and flourish, or dwindle and perish, can be influenced by our cultivation of wholesome thoughts."
Clear, concise, sometimes repetitive (in a GOOD way) explanation of the concept of karma, just like the title says...what it is, what it isn't and why it matters. Excellent. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Jul 04, 2020Forked Radish marked it as books-to-avoid
Why is karma krap? You are your life. Therefore, if you were a different person in a previous life then that person is no different from all the other people who have ever lived. If you were the same person in a previous life then you must be an unaccountable, sequential, identical twin. Karma is an example of aporia or krap.
P.S. Buddha rejected the concept of karma in the Dhammapapa (the collected sayings of Buddha). However, the author talks of "Buddha's teaching" which encompass the apocryphal, post-Shakyamuni (or historical Buddha), Pali Canon, where karma mysteriously reemerges from the krapper. (less)
flagLike · 1 comment · see review
May 09, 2018Renee Legris rated it really liked it
Shelves: spiritual-path
If you really want to understand the Buddhist view of karma, read this book. The author very patiently walks you through how it works and what it means, and how you can learn to "cultivate" karma. I was surprised how many things I have misunderstood for a long time. Authentic dharma, but friendly to Westerners. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Dec 28, 2018Bohdan Pechenyak rated it it was amazing
Shelves: philosophy, psychology, self-help, spirituality-religion, favorites
Perhaps the clearest and most comprehensive treatment of the Buddhist concept and theory of karma, with background history in Hinduism. Written in a precise, clear language that is devoid of jargon and excessive use of foreign terms, which is an advantage to those unfamiliar with Buddhism and other Asian dharmic traditions.
flagLike · comment · see review
Aug 17, 2020Jane Roe rated it it was amazing
Nice read. Even more entertaining than my favorite philosophy books. Not esoteric at all as misleadingly pointed out by one of the commenters. Quite the opposite, it's a scientifically solid survey of how the term came to be. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
May 24, 2018Ash Todd rated it liked it
This book offers a better understanding into how 'karma' impacts our lives and suggestions on ways to accept things as they are... (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Oct 20, 2020Sandra Paul rated it really liked it
This is a book I will come back to re-read in the future. It was not an easy read, but offers much to be reflected upon
flagLike · comment · see review
Jun 20, 2017James Crouse rated it it was amazing
Shelves: dharma
Excellent treatment of Karma
flagLike · comment · see review
Aug 25, 2020Gene Bobker rated it it was amazing
Love TR teachings.
flagLike · comment · see review
Oct 30, 2020Bea rated it it was ok
He’s using too many words to describe very easy ideas. I would have apppreciated more if he would not try so hard to prove that he knows english. By and large there are interesting informations.
===
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Karma is often a misunderstood topic in Buddhism. This clear explanation from such an eminent teacher as the late Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche, who possessed great knowledge of both dharma and the Western mind-set, will bring profound benefit to us all.”—Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche, author of It’s Up to You
About the Author
TRALEG KYABGON (1955-2012) was born in eastern Tibet and educated by many great masters of all four major lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. He is the founder of the Kagyu E-Vam Buddhist Institute, which is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, with a major practice center in New York City. He taught extensively at universities and Buddhist centers in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia beginning in 1980, and is the author of numerous books that present Buddhist teachings to Western readers, including The Essence of Buddhism and Mind at Ease.
---
Top reviews from the United States
Michael Erlewine
5.0 out of 5 stars What It Is
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2015
Verified Purchase
I have run a Karma Kagyu meditation center since the mid-1980s (The Heart Center KTC – Karma Thegsum Chöling) and have, fortunately, been able to meet and spend time with many of the Kagyu teachers.
This book on Karma by Ven. Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche is brilliant, a much needed antidote to our lack of authentic knowledge regarding karma. An odd suggestion I suppose, but I found this book (for me) was best read by starting at the last chapter, and reading each chapter successively in reverse order.
Why? Because I find the frontage of the book a little formal and Traleg Rinpoche IMO gets more direct and practical as he goes on. By the time I read from the back up to the front I am ready to understand it more formally. Just my two cents.
This book goes into depth not only on karma, but on death and the difference between reincarnation and rebirth. In general, Traleg Rinpoche speaks to just what most of us wonder about, what happens at death and exactly what attains rebirth. In essence, Traleg Rinpoche has embedded many kernels for deep thought in this text, each one capable of being expanded into an illumination. These years I practice more than I read, but this book is not only worth reading, I consider perhaps the most direct transmission I have read (aside from ancient pith instructions) for many years. I cannot recommend it enough!
Read less
40 people found this helpful
Helpful
Report abuse
Truthseeker
5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, Clear Explanation of Karma
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2016
Verified Purchase
The best book on karma I have ever read, written by a Tibetan monk for a secular or generically spiritual American audience (i.e., not full of Buddhist terms and concepts). The Buddhist view of karma is not as fatalistic as the Hindu view, I was pleasantly surprised to learn. I was also surprised to learn that not everything IS karmic; that is, there is also luck and just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In these latter two cases, karma enters the picture with what you choose to DO in such a situation. Good clear writing and very empowering.
10 people found this helpful
Helpful
Report abuse
C. Derick VarnTop Contributor: Graphic Novels
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2017
Verified Purchase
This is a great book in that it messages to explain the complications of an often misunderstood Buddhist doctrine, but Kyabgon goes further and explains the pre-Buddhist developments of the concept and contrasts Buddhist ideas of karma with its development in Hinduism and, in the second half of the book, contrasts and compares with Christian doctrines as well. Kyabgon makes more references and explains in the concept in a rational way, but does "modernize" the traditional concept in a way that changes it. Kyabgon also shows the various developments and shifts in the meaning of idea of Karma in its development in classical Indian and Tibetan Buddhism without invalidating other Buddhist understandings or denying significant developments and differences. An excellent book.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
Report abuse
S. Burns
5.0 out of 5 stars clear and easy to follow
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2015
Verified Purchase
This book offers a clear explanation of Karma primarily from the Buddhist perspective. I appreciated the comparison and distinctions made between the Buddhist and Hindu view of Karma as well as other aspects on various Buddhist ideology-particular a concise discussion on emptiness. Its a quick read, clear and easy to follow. Highly recommend it.
19 people found this helpful
Helpful
Report abuse
Jampa
5.0 out of 5 stars O, Karma, Dharma, pudding and pie...
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2015
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this little gem. Rinpoche's explanations are clear and precise. He packs a wallop in a very short text. I was amazed at his brilliant explanation of the Yogacara philosophy in 6 pages! Other complicated and extensive subjects were equally handled in very succinct and informative manner. Of course one can do more exploration and extensive studying, but for a wider audience it was perfect. I also recommend reading his brilliant text on Mahamudra: Mind at Ease.
15 people found this helpful
Helpful
Report abuse
Curare
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good explanation of a misunderstood concept
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2016
Verified Purchase
I loved this book. This is easily one of my favorite Buddhist books and I will re-read it in the future. I've been studying Buddhism for half my life, but I still had questions on the concept of karma. This book helped clear those questions right up.
The author is great at wording Buddhist ideas in a way that westerners can understand. Karma (along with nirvana, emptiness, and rebirth) is very misunderstood idea in western culture (and others). Most western Buddhists I've met don't even understand what it is or how it works in their lives. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to clear up this misconception!
9 people found this helpful
Helpful
Report abuse
P Swartout
4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2019
Verified Purchase
Like other books on this subject he goes over different writings on karma. Then adds his own ideas. I am reading a lot on karma and this book was helpful and a good addition.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
Report abuse
A
5.0 out of 5 stars This book creates an amazing bridge from Western culture and philosophies to an understanding ...
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2015
Verified Purchase
This book creates an amazing bridge from Western culture and philosophy to an understanding of the Eastern practices and origins of Buddhism, as well as giving an in-depth insight into the intricate and all-encompassing notion of karma that is somewhat oversimplified and degraded in the popular culture.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
Report abuse
See all reviews
Top reviews from other countries
Ein Kunde
5.0 out of 5 stars very good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 22, 2018
Verified Purchase
I can on!y recommend this book,it is very eloquently written and the theory is easy to understanc. liked it a lot
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
Jane Fisher
5.0 out of 5 stars We all need a good understanding of Karma
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 29, 2019
Verified Purchase
This is a book I will read over and over again. It is very informative and well written.
