Understanding Sin in Buddhism vs. Western Religions : หน้า 28/115

-- The usage of the word "sin" can be inappropriate or misleading when one attempts to discuss Buddhism, as its concept and meaning have already been ingrained in the mind of a westerner as something everyone is born with. -- Ideas of "sin" in different religions could not be more dissimilar. In Judaism, Christianity and Islam, sin arises whenever you disobey the wishes of the Creator. If you don't believe in the teachings of your religion, then that is a sin. There is also a belief that sins can be transmitted from one person to another. Because Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden apple and so committed the primordial sin, the sin was passed down to all subsequent generations to present day. All mankind has to suffer this sin as a result. -- Buddhist viewpoint is different. A “sin”, can only occur with the person who commits it. It cannot be passed on to someone else. If you don’t commit a wrongdoing then you don’t suffer the consequences associated with that wrongdoing. The consequence of your action is yours alone. -- The more appropriate word for “sin” in Buddhism is ‘evil’ or ‘demeit’ (‘negative karma’ is also acceptable). Its meaning is derived from the Pali word ‘pāpa’. The implication of the word ‘pāpa’ is one of ‘malfunction’, i.e., malfunctioning of the mind. When the mind malfunctions, it takes on the unpleasant qualities of cruelty, wickedness, and impurity. บาทส่งผล fruit of negative kamma ripens; negative kamma takes effect บาทปกคลุม anything unwholesome 28