If emotions simply happened to us and we have no choice in the matter, we could not speak about creating good or bad karma. If there is no choice, then how can we support the idea of change, transformation, or progress? From a Buddhist perspective, we are responsible for our actions or experiences, including how we manage our emotions. One cannot be made responsible for something when one has no choice in the matter. Our range of emotional experiences, as well as being fuelled by past experiences, the content and quality of our thoughts, and our ethics and beliefs, are also related to outcomes that we wish to achieve. Emotions are more often than not used in a strategic manner. We use our emotions to elicit certain responses and gain certain results from others. They are used to gain specific results within our interactions. Rather than being seen as something that happens to us, emotions are seen as something that we create and invariably use in a strategic manner, even if somewhat unconsciously. Traleg Kyabgon
Traleg Kyabgon (19552012) renowned author and teacher of the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. He was the founder of the Kagyu E-Vam Buddhist Institute, which is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. He taught extensively in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Southeast Asia, and is the author of such books as: Integral Buddhism, Song Of Karmapa, Desire: Why It Matters; Letter To A Friend, Essence of Buddhism, LoJong and Karma: What It Is, What It Isn't, Why It Matters.
"During Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoches life, he taught extensively, not only providing translation and commentary of Tibetan Buddhist texts, but also direct and spontaneous teachings that were very practical, and gave down-to-earth advice on how to do life better. Rinpoche gave advice on how we can review and manage our relationships with ourselves, others, and the world in such a way that can enhance our experience of life generally, and how we can more heroically face the many challenges life presents. How To Do Life is a collection of teachings given by the Traleg Rinpoche on topics such as love and relationships, understanding emotions, and working with depression and destructive emotions. Rinpoche provides a fresh approach to reviewing our experience, and explains the Buddhist perspective on building awareness and reducing suffering. It provides insights that can help us all Do Life better." -- Ringu Tulku
