10 Questions with Mordy Levine

Today we’re talking with Mordy Levine, the coauthor of “The Beginner’s Guide to Karma” along with Lama Lhanang Rinpoche.

1. Can you tell my readers a little about yourself and your coauthor Lama Lhanang Rinpoche?

I am the President of Jigme Lingpa Center and have been practicing Buddhism for my adult life. I am 66. I learned about Zen Buddhism when I was in graduate school practicing Japanese martial arts.
Lama Lhanang Rinpoche is the spiritual leader of Jigme Lingpa Center. He came to the US from Tibet 30 years ago. More info about him can be found here – https://www.buddhistsandiego.com/about-us
I have been studying with him for 7 years.

2. Not to force you to rehash your entire book, “The Beginner’s Guide to Karma,” but can you briefly explain the concept of Karma for my readers?

Karma literal means action. It applies to action of thought, action of speech and physical action.

The concept is currently taught in different ways in almost all eastern religions.

Buddha examined and refined it quite a bit.

a) He taught that karma is far more sophisticated than the simple, linear cause and effect most of us think of.
b) He taught that intention or motivation is the basis for karma.
c) He showed that we can stop our perpetuation of negative actions – life is not predetermined!
d) He taught that it plays a primary role in determining rebirth into the next lifetime.

3. People generally think of Karma as a black and white, good and bad, kind of thing. However, in your book you explain the concepts of heavy and light karma. Can you share how context and motivations effect Karma?

If I write a check for a donation because I want my neighbors to see how generous I am, that would be a selfish motivation and generate negative karma. When I write a check because I really want to help the homeless, that is selfless motivation and generates positive karma.

Light and heavy can be determined in many ways. The simplest example is that if you think, speak, and execute an idea (e.g. hurting someone else) that has heavier karma then just thinking about it on your couch.

Also, hurting a tiny ant has very different (heavier) consequences then harming a human being. We should strive to harm neither.

4. With a topic such as Karma, that could easily lend itself to lengthy discourse, how did you manage to limit the discussion for your book?

Our goal was to be clear explaining those areas of karma that can be easily understood and implemented.

Understanding motivation, and selfish vs selfless motivation is an example of that. As we start to think about that in our daily lives, we have the opportunity to change.

5, Are there ways a person can eliminate their negative Karma?

To eliminate negative karma from the past would require purification practices that we describe in the book.

To reduce the impact of one’s negative karma one can do that simply by creating positive karma going forward. This will dilute the impact of negative karma that one has accumulated until now.

6. Can someone incorporate Karma into their belief system without being Buddhist?

Absolutely. There is nothing in the book that relies on being a Buddhist practitioner. The book is for anyone that wants to improve their state of mind and future happiness or freedom now and in the future.

7. How can an understanding of Karma benefit the non-Buddhist?

Examining one’s motivations and how they inform our thoughts, speech and action can be of great benefit for all human beings, regardless of religion.

Almost all religions address actions that harm others based on selfish motivations.

There is nothing in this book that conflicts with other religions.

We all seek a better future and freedom, and this provides the path to do so – from a Buddhist perspective.

8. What are some suggestions for someone who wants to learn more about Karma and/or Buddhism?

An introductory book or course on Buddhism is a great place to start. Selecting a teacher who is genuinely interested in your progress and lives and exhibits kindness is also a good start.

9. What’s next? Do you have any upcoming projects that my readers should be aware of?

We are releasing a book The Buddha In You in May 2025 (pub Sounds True) where we provide clear basic understandings of all key facets of Buddhism. This book is for new seekers of Buddhism or for any individual that wants to learn about Buddhism.

10. Parting Shot! Ask us at The Magical Buffet any one question.

How do you like myspace, and how long have you been using it?

ACK! I haven’t thought of MySpace in FOREVER! It was the first place I promoted and built my Magical Buffet community! Now I don’t even know how to log onto it.

About Mordy Levine:

Mordy Levine is a coauthor of “The Beginner’s Guide to Karma” with Lama Lhanang Rinpoche.  He is an entrepreneur, meditation teacher, and the president of the Jigme Lingpa Center,.  He also created the Meditation Pro Series, a meditation program designed to alleviate chronic health issues. Visit him online at http://www.BuddhistSanDiego.com and http://www.MordyLevine.com.

 Get your own copy here. (This is an affiliate link to my Bookshop, which supports independent bookstores throughout the United States. If you use this link to purchase the book, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

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