Yesterday’s post about karma elicited a comment from Frank King, giving us an alternative viewpoint. Whilst it might be tempting to stifle arguments that counter my view of life, I feel it is more honest to embrace and offer them for discussion.
When open and engaged, we are experiencing the greater self. When closed off, we are putting forth our “lesser self.” The lesser self is a deluded condition, while the greater self is synonymous with the Buddha nature.
To live for the greater self means to recognize the universal principle behind all things and, thus awakened, rise above the suffering caused by awareness of impermanence. A belief in something eternal is needed to enhance our quality of existence.
By believing that this lifetime is the be-all and end-all of existence, we will miss out on living a truly profound life. When our viewpoint expands beyond the boundaries of our present existence to include the entire, eternal universe, we can live deeply fulfilling lives.
The Search For Enlightenment 
Dec 10, 2012 @ 19:54:20
I read Franks link on Karma with interest and it does highlight the distinct difference between Western and Eastern philosophies, religions or spiritual practices. Being a Christain in Franks case and reading his blog entry suggests that “I can do bad things and hey that’s ok because the son of god died for my sins. What’s more this life doesn’t matter much in any case as I’m holding out for the next. I’ll be good and contrite by repenting to the right authority here in this life and also repent in earnest again on my death bed. Hopefully I’ll get past those pearly gates.” So the responsibility lies with some other entity and is projected onto an alter ego e.g a god figure. Karma is notvreally necessary.
The Buddhist approach aims to take personal responsibility for your own actions in the here and now and not rely on a mythical character imagined, or otherwise, in order to appease one’s own temporal conscience. In that respect Buddhism in NOT a religion but rather a blueprint for personal growth in this life. Especially so if you are a Secular Buddhism or Athiestic Buddhist who doesn’t subscribe to the attendant cultural iconography.
My great hope is that the above words do not cause a religious war of words and my sincere hope is that I haven’t caused any offence. Each to their own and I certainly respect Franks right to walk his own spiritual path …. Kind Regards