Can karmic philosophy tend to diminish compassion for those who are less fortunate?

Question

Explain:

Answer 1

Yes, if by Karma one means the eastern concept of Karma.

If you mean return, like that discussed in Wicca, not really. You see, the Law of Return teaches that there is a lot of Random Crap in the universe, and that the behaviors of the individual affect the random crap, but don't dictate it...

In other words, the actions you release into the universe tend to come back to you, but since there is also random crap, not everything that happen is a result of Return.

This is why I believe in Return, but not the New Age version of Karma, and certainly not the Eastern concepts of paying in the next life for actions in this one.

This is also why I try to educate those who don't know any better.

It's not just Karma, by the way, compassion is diminished by any philosophy that teaches that bad things happen to people because the people are bad.
For the record, I have no qualms whatsoever about having little compassion for a murderer who is finally caught and put in jail.

Answer 2

I have often thought this. Not just a belief in the strict definition of karma, but also in the idea that a god(s) rewards the good and punishes the bad. Sometimes I think this way of thinking allows some to see great suffering in the world and feel that they have no moral responsibility to do anything about it (even speak out against it) because they feel it must have been earned in some way.

Regarding Buddhists: The Eastern idea of Karma has lead to a strict caste system with a sense of disregard towards those in the poverty ridden lower classes. So again, you can make the case that it helps to diminish compassion.

Answer 3

I don't think so. At least not in buddhism, since this philosophy stresses the fact that every sentient being possess Buddah nature, thus everyone is capable of change their negative habits into positive ones. Same goes for a particular individual's condition (poverty, sickness, etc.), we can always transform it into a better one. Difficult, yes. Impossible, no. So when we see someone less fortunate, we can recognize that even his/her condition is linked to his/her Karma, this person also has the potential to evolve, and we can develop compassion and try to help him/her.

Answer 4

It shouldn't if they're understanding the concept of karma correctly. Diminished compassion is a whole other bag of worms itself and is simply about incorrect thinking.

_()_

Answer 5

Sure....because it's assumed they deserve it.