The Karma of Folk Religions Belief：As a Life-Style for Taiwan people

• Main Authors: Yu-Chiuan Chen, 陳昱全
• Other Authors: Duan Lin
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/78684963040027843836

碩士 === 世新大學 === 社會心理學研究所(含碩專班) === 99 === This study focuses on Chinese people with the concept of karma of folk religions. The study analyzes how they contact with this concept; after life events take place, how they turn the religious ethics into the explanation for the events; and how their daily life-style is guided by their personal interpretation of the concept and the regularity of action in accordance with the religions. Using depth interviews, the study interviews six respondents and sorts out the similarities and differences brought about by the concept of karma in their diverse life experiences. The study findings are as follows: 1. Respondents’ choices of religions are mostly influenced by their original family. 2. Respondents mostly think that ancestor worship is based on respect and filial piety, not for fear of ancestors’ mischief. 3. Respondents mostly believe in the concept of reincarnation and preexistence. They think that their present life and their relations with others are related to their conducts in preexistence. 4. Life events happening to the respondents lead to their belief in karma. 5. The purpose of redemption is that if one’s present life goes on smoothly, he hopes to keep it in the afterlife; and if not, he hopes for a better life in the afterlife. 6. The living norms of karma, combined with one’s daily life, becomes one’s codes of conduct, with derivatives of fear of torture in Hell after death, caution about working with care, and adoption of a submissive attitude. In response to the above findings, the researcher gives a discussion, indicates the study flaws, and proposes recommendations for future studies.