Sample Header Ad - 728x90

Isn't giving to attain good Kamma "greedy" and therefore Unwholesome (akusala)?

2 votes
8 answers
258 views
I'm currently reading In the Buddha's Words by Ven. Bikkhu Bodhi. In the introduction to **The Way to a Fortunate Rebirth** he states that the roots of what make an action unwholesome (akusala) are: > "greed, hated and delusion" Well that confirms a hypothesis I got from reading Dawkin's The Selfish Gene that *'there are no truly altruistic actions'*. People often give to the needy to feel better, to get good karma, to get into heaven. Whatever the case may be they are giving for "greedy" reasons. They're own gratification in some form or another. There is no such thing as kusala. Unless you have a complete lack of self awareness and/or do it purely on instinct. Therefore I ask: **Is this not a paradox?** Is it even possible under the Dhamma to commit a wholesome act (kusala) like giving, without it being rooted in "greed"? Therefore making all positive actions such as donating to charity, giving to homeless, giving gifts, anything positive is actually unwholesome (akusala)?! In summary: **It's impossible to gain good karma without it being routed in your greed for good karma** I'd appreciate your ideas, discussion and/or answers?
Asked by RustyFluff (127 rep)
Oct 31, 2021, 04:15 PM
Last activity: Dec 17, 2021, 03:54 PM