Zen · Compare this tradition with another

# 327 Relationship karma

Denia Rositzki · Compassionate Buddha – Yun Hwa Sangha Hamburg · 2026-10-20 · Hamburg · Source

The deliberate destruction of existing bonds out of desire generates painful karma, while the patient cultivation of long-standing, trusting relationships heals the soul and endures beyond death.

The text is an episode of the podcast 'Compassionate Buddha', in which Abbot Gaktok reads a daily reminder from the Popsinem Jikwang on 'Relationship Karma'. The central message is that the deliberate breaking of existing partnerships through jealousy or desire for new relationships generates painful karma that returns as disappointment. It warns against separating other people from oneself in order to fulfil one's own wishes, as this hinders one's own spiritual development. Instead, the nurturing of long-standing bonds, whether in partnership or in friendship, is presented as precious and healing. Such relationships, which are based on trust and care, outlast physical ageing and are considered particularly valuable, as they can also persist in future lives. The text emphasises that true love is strengthened through promises and patience, while greed and ignorance caused by the desire of young people bring about suffering. The listeners are encouraged to recognise and nurture the preciousness of their existing, familiar relationships.

What, according to this text, is the root of the evil?

Clinging, desire, the inability to let go; Ignorance, illusion, a false view of reality

Where does the evil reside?

in the heart, the will, or the soul of the individual

What helps against it?

solidarity, mutual help, belonging; contentment, fasting, voluntary sacrifice, letting go

What is human being according to this text?

entangled in deception or desire, but capable of being set free

Where is history heading?

recurrence, no goal, always the same pattern

What does the text base its claim on?

on a present head, teacher, or office; on the founder or prophet of the tradition

To whom does the text's call for devotion apply?

to every human being, regardless of faith

Where is the text's criticism directed?

at one's own community and at oneself

• Bestehende Partnerschaften nicht aus Begehren nach neuen Beziehungen brechen (interpersonal)
• Langjährige Bindungen durch Vertrauen und Fürsorge pflegen (interpersonal)
• Gier und Begehren gegenüber jüngeren Menschen als Quelle der Unwissenheit erkennen (inward)

Daily Reflections of the Lotus Flower, 12.439

Basic stance

1 from -2 to 2

Insistence

2 of 3

Reach

1 of 5

Concreteness

2 of 3

Boundary

0 of 3

Time

past 1, present 2, future 2

Analysed with qwen/qwen3.8-27b, version v3. The same standards apply to every tradition, see Values.