ABSTRACT
The ethos of Buddhist cultures is such as to discourage expressions of anger, and to value calm. Intentional actions are seen to produce karmic effects that help shape one's future destiny for good or ill, and such actions include not only those of body and speech, but also of mind, as when one puts energy into a negative or positive emotion. Buddhism also has a range of meditation methods and associated analyses of mental states that can be drawn on so as to help take more responsibility for one's mental states, including emotions, so as to guide them into more wholesome or skilful channels. People are also drawn together in devotional chanting before a Buddha-image, a symbol of both where their tradition comes from and what they are aiming towards. Buddhist concern is for the community of all sentient beings, who share with humans the struggles of existence, and all have the potential for enlightenment.
