karma and loyalty: cheap and easy ways of understanding/applying morality?

Question

shouldn't we do something because it is the right or correct thing to do, regardless of whether we will reap benefits from our actions or because we feel we owe someone?

i think loyalty is an especially tricky value that seems hard to question. it's not about not appreciating people, etc. but doesn't loyalty attach strings that could potentially stop you from doing what is right?

i wrestle with this dilemma and would appreciate any thoughts.

yes, karma does place responsibility at one's feet. but karma is "cheap and easy" because it simply divides choices into "good for me" and "bites me in the ***" categories. cheap and easy.

also, i don't see a conflict of meaning between "altruism" and "value."


altruism:
the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others (opposed to egoism). http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/altruism


"value"
Sociology. the ideals, customs, institutions, etc., of a society toward which the people of the group have an affective regard. These values may be positive, as cleanliness, freedom, or education, or negative, as cruelty, crime, or blasphemy. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/value

Answer 1

Yes and you aren't alone in struggling with this dilemma. It's really just of matter of being conscious that that is what you're doing and then doing little things that help to change it. I had a buddhist teacher who said change takes a very long time and if we just 'chip away' at old patterns of thinking we will eventually change the attachments for good. I hope this helps a little bit.
Hard being a human, isn't it?

Answer 2

as with every super popular techniques and regulations, over the centuries mankind has controlled to lessen the majesty of Karma to an earthly simplicity. Karma has been decreased to the thought in case you do good deeds, good issues will return to you; while you're a good man or woman in this existence you will get a extra appropriate deal in the subsequent existence. With this simplistic way of questioning, it is not any longer extremely lots distinctive to the Western thought of being good in this existence so as which you will bypass to heaven after existence. Simplistic Karma: I abused somebody this morning; this afternoon I broke my toe on a rock. "this is Karma!!" Simplistic Christianity: I abused somebody this morning; this afternoon I broke my toe on a rock. "The devil made me abuse the guy; God punished me this afternoon!!" I see you 'prefer to help.' would I humbly recommend so you might attempt to stay your existence 'kindly' doing no planned harm to all and sundry or something, without thought-approximately any 'reward', and karmic techniques will take care of themselves over the entire lifetimes. anticipate no 'reward' to your kindness in this lifetime. If it comes, be grateful and accepting, yet do no longer placed it right down to any planned interest of your very own. Importantly, look into your reasons for desirous to do 'help'. Is it self-based? ie desirous to get extra ticks than crosses on some form of cosmic scorecard? i'm hoping it is not any longer. Cheers.

Answer 3

Loyalty isn't some virtuous thing. It is a case of negative reciprocity. I stay loyal to X because X provides or in the future may provide me with Y.

Answer 4

Do the Good Because it is Good.
Pass on good things Without Thought of a Reward...
No religious ideals, just the right things

Answer 5

*giggle* Karma cheap and easy? How is placing the responsibility for my own actions and thoughts at my OWN feet instead of blaming some non-existent monster/demon "cheap" & "easy"? Pray tell...

I don't see "loyalty" as a "value" either... altruism yes... "loyalty"? Where are you getting your concepts from hon?

_()_

Answer 6

simple treat others as you would like to be treated

Answer 7

You really need to stop watching "My name is Earl"