Sharon Stone: Karma Chameleon

The Chinese death, injury, & homeless toll is far worse than anything our country has ever experienced. Should our children die in school collapses as a result of U.S. government "bad karma?" I refuse to ever watch another Sharon Stone film, & have marked all of her films on Netflix as "Not interested." These ludicrous actors who freely cause verbal pain & injury as a result of their overblown & overpaid status should feel our disgust. The best way I know is to boycott their work.

come on who would ever even think about beating the most peaceful people on earth. how can anyone justify what is being done

Mr. O'Donnell,
I agree that Ms. Stone's comments were ill considered at best and cruel at worst. But you use an awfully broad brush when you write
"For Hollywood's Buddhists, apparently, the enemy of your friend--sorry, your good friend--is your enemy too."
Ms. Stone no more represents ALL Buddhists any more than Marie Osmond represents all Mormons or George Bush ALL Methodists. I'm not even sure she considers herself a Buddhist. She is however a human being and human beings often say stupid and cruel things. Fortunately, for most of us, there isn't a microphone around when we do.
Might I suggest a bit of compassion for her and more importantly for those who are suffering. Please be kind enough to give us the address of where we can send financial aid for those whose lives have been overturned by the earthquake.

Greenman,

Seems sort of funny to be asking for compassion for Sharon Stone when the argument here is that she had none for the people of China. Parents who have lost their children, children who have lost their families, their fates in the hands of strangers, some who will prey on their innocence and vulnerability. What did the thousands who lost their lives have to do with Tibet?

Does anyone else see the irony? Karma, it seems, has come to Sharon Stone.

Yes, we are all lucky that we don't have a microphone shoved in our faces to hear our own slip ups and bloopers. But Ms. Stone is no ingénue, and no stranger to reporters and paparazzi, and she knows that she needs to watch her words when she speaks in public. She gets no sympathy from me.

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Ok, we all agree that Ms. Stones comments on the terrible events in China are at best misguided though I wonder how many of us had similar thoughts when the series of earthquakes hit? Ms. Stone will be banned, vilified, censored and railed against for weeks to come.Pundits will ask who is she to say say such terrible things. She is not a spiritual leader. She is not a Buddhist or a Hindu. She is not in the position to know the mind of God.She is only a Hollywood actor. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a poor, uneducated peasant girl. Do not be so harsh with Ms. Stone. You are already reminded of your thoughts when the tragedy occured. Did you see the new Rambo? Did you cheer when the Burmese soldiers were killed? Think about it.

I'm not familiar with the past remarks of Sharon Stone. In this case it almost seems like she was wondering rather than judging. Many people get misinformed views of karma and say things like she did. They do seem to forget that first of all we do no harm.
When Katrina hit many cried out it was retribution for the transgressions of America and some of those people who called themselves Buddhists or Christians agreed.
I don't think disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes are events we control or that are they are imposed on us by some force or by God. It just happens and the real Compassion, the real God presents in the response of the people to the suffering.
Let's not add to the trouble by tongue lashing soneone who just wasn't so skillful as we would have liked.

One good thing may have happened from all this...maybe now Ms. Stone is living through an experience that will give her a greatly enhanced understanding of the concept of karma....

I find Sharon Stones comments misplaced. I find the attitude of the article misplaced as well. I don't find fault in either. I do find ignorance in both.

So therefore only certain people should be allowed to speak. I find it interesting that the views here are so emotional. Are these the teachings. Be careful not to be what you oppose.

Karma is NOT just for the individual.....entire countries, and or cultures create their own. They will be dealt with the exact same way as the other....it's never too late to work toward a compassionate world peace!

"PLEASE"

As a stroke survivor and businesswoman who has worked in China for over 4 years, I was outraged, offended and appalled at hearing Sharon Stone’s comments. I spend 9 months each year in China, speak mandarin Chinese, and operate a business there that assists American stroke survivors and people from all nations to receive medical treatment in China, In hearing these comments I forced myself to assume she was either taken out of context, spoke without thinking, or was suffering from some other ailment because no one in their right mind would make such unfeeling comments.

I do not suggest in any way that I always agree with my government or theirs. But I am not foolish enough to place the responsibility of a natural disaster and its after affects on a government act or refer to it as ‘karma’. The Chinese people, not the government, have been offended to the core and I understand their desire to ban films that Sharon appears in.

The Chinese people are the most kind, caring and considerate people on earth, family oriented and work diligently to change China for the better. In the wake of this horrible disaster they have literally moved mountains to rescue those whom have been directly affected and have not hesitated in their actions. I was in Tianjin China when the earthquake struck and felt the earth and buildings shutter a thousand miles from the epicenter. I was amazed at the immediacy of the response that was organized by the people and the desire to volunteer that came from all around me. I watched Doctors, nurses, and ordinary people offering their all, homes, clothing, money, cooking utensils, anything and everything assist those who were affected. I watched as numerous Chinese people stood in line to give, train stations loaded with people and supplies headed to the affected areas, the volunteers far exceeding the ability to get individuals to the hardest hit areas.

The American patients that were there in Tianjin being treated came together to give what little they could. Here we were, crippled and broken individuals seeking hope, help, and healing ourselves, giving to those who we knew had suffered so greatly in an instant. As stroke survivors we too know personally the devastation that such an event causes loosing everything in a moment. My heart ached as I held the hand of President Han (the hospital president) as he held back tears of appreciation and understanding.

I honestly believe that the vast majority of Americans are sympathetic to the plight that this disaster has caused even though many have been slow to respond. I have looked this disaster in the eye and repeatedly challenged the American people and businesses to come to the aid of the Chinese people. I feel that Sharon could better use her “fame” and voice to work toward good and bringing people together rather than being divisive with her comments or how they are received. Her apology has been too little and too late.

I would welcome the opportunity to show Sharon first hand the work being done in China on behalf of the earthquake victims and stroke survivors alike. As of today a total of 68,858 people have died and another 18,618 are missing and presumed dead. I have directed my China Connection Foundation to strive to raise at least $10 for each who have died or are missing to assist the millions of innocent individuals that have been displaced. This is for the greater good it is still my mission to find funds to assist the 51 Americans on my waiting list who want to come to China for treatment and cannot afford the $20,000 for the life changing rehab. To these ends I will work tirelessly!

We have an opportunity to reach out with our voices and pocketbooks and make a lasting impact on individual’s lives! 20 percent of the world’s population has been affected by this disaster. We can either seize this opportunity and our responsibility as members of the world’s human race or cast it aside. It is my goal to raise 1 million dollars for the quake victims and another 1 million to assist stroke survivors. I pray that you join me in embracing and sharing with those in need! Visit my web site and post a message to the quake survivors.

Ruth Lycke
Stroke Survivor and CEO
China Connection

A href="http://www.chinaconnection.cc">chinaconnection.cc

Just another example of a clueless liberal from Hollywood. Why does anyone ask these people what they think?

With regard to David's statement, people are commenting on her thoughtless atatement and the posts seem pretty tame to me. I don't see a lot of emotional attacks; nor is anyone suggesting she can't espouse her views. If that's what you think you're seeing, I'd suggest you go to the Huffington's site or The Daily Kos.

Comments like Sharon Stone's, as well as, Hagee's,et.al., show the naivete and ignorance most Westerners have about the workings of the law of karma. Karma may not always have an instantaneous result that is direct and perceptible either. Karma is the result of causes and conditions, some of which are influenced by our actions and thoughts.The more one does an action, the more you're likely to do it again. Also, the more likely it will be done to you. Some phenomena is caused by nature, but stuff is inter-related, yet not always how we think it is. Karma results in residual thought-energies which take time to undo or work through. Buddha said to adopt a consciousness that shows loving kindness and equanimity towards all regardless of what others do to oneself. Buddha would say prayer for the tyrants in China, Myanmar, etc. because they are suffering and ignorant, also. They afford the opportunity to practice loving-kindness and understanding in the face of great adversity.

Comments and "opinions" arise from the spiritually bereft, and originate from fear. One truly seeking enlightenment feels empathy and compassion, humbly in awe of an uncontrollably great power we can never hope to control, let alone understand. Only the foolish will attempt to speak with "authority" about such things, and needs our empathy and compassion as well. Equally......

I am a Buddhist and I do believe that this could in fact be a nation's collective karma at work. This opinion is not vindictive in the slightest, as I hated the fact that the earthquake happened, and I am saddened by all the suffering this tragedy caused.

If I had the power to stop this tragedy, I would have. Yet, I cannot rule out that this was not related to karma in some way. I would also volunteer to help the victims in anyway I can, as any Buddhist would.

I applaud Sharon Stone for being brave enough to speak out on this. I also believe many Buddhists who criticized her, are being hypocritical. Since the thought of this possibly being related to China's karma, probably passed through the minds of 90% of Buddhists.

People are also missing the point, that even if a person believes this was karma related, that it not to say China deserved it or had it coming or let's be happy about this tragedy, or whatever.

In the Buddha's words about one of his monks, who was murdered by highway bandits, he explained that this monk was guilty of murder himself in a past life. That is different IMO, than the Buddha stating-"this monk deserved this, or "he had it coming," or "I am happy his karma caught up with him."

Randy, Huffington's site or The Daily Kos are not Beliefnet, where enlightened views are encouraged. They have their way of spreading their message. Here I would expect compassion for the sake of compassion. I see compassion here, but I also see the ignorance of type casting people (Hollywood Buddhist, or Sharon Stone is an airhead, or these people should keep their mouths shut, etc.)and the ignorance of hate and anger in a few. These were words she said, for which she has publicly admonished heself. She took a higher road once she felt her words were wrong. Yet the Hate monging goes on. Get a life people. Sharon Stone does not represent anyone but herself, of which she has a right. She did not kill anyone in China. She did not express happiness at death and destruction. She made a statement which she herself regrets. I think a few people need a time out to reflect. So much trouble, for such a little thing.

I am really surprised at the lack of compassion for those thousands of non political people, human beings, who happened to be born under the current regime, who have lost, if not their own lives, that of their only child and their families and their homes. Where is the Loving Kindness?

To be honest with you, this story made me wonder what Ms. Stone may have done in the past to anger "Established Buddhism". I have met Ms. Stone personally, very far away from Hollywood and reporters, and I found her to be thoughtful, intelligent, and humble. Very different than how she is portrayed by the Hollywood press.
I would assume her initial comment was aimed at a theoretical, political China, not one of flesh and blood, and when she realized how her statements came off she apologized. She made a mistake, but her heart is good. When people like Jerry Falwell or the Christian right make their damning statements blaming catastrophes on the sins of homosexuals and liberals, it makes me wonder what part of Christian tolerance and forgiveness they have managed to miss.
This story makes me wonder what part of Buddhist tolerance and understanding the "Establishment" has missed.
Why is this story even on Beliefnet?

The red carpet is NOT the time to be asking or answering these kinds of questions that require thoughtful reflection. Ms. Stone made an error and was a big enough person to admit it. Let's move on, shall we? After all..who among us hasn't said something we wish we could take back?

I agree with cirquemom, Why is this story even here. Why would beliefnet put a story so upfront as to stir up this emotional controversy. Let's just wish the best for the Chinese people. Let's hope the Chinese government some day leaves Tibet. There are real problems on this earth like these earthquakes, Typhones, Wars, and we are focusing on a statement by one woman, who in a moment, made a statement even she regrets. One person above "a" dosen't buy her apology. How can "a" have any earthly idea what is in Sharon Stones heart, and why does "a" even care. That is the height of ignorance. If Shakyamuni were here I THINK he would shake his head is solom acceptance that in 2,500 years we have advanced so little. Even Beliefnet !

Thanx Owen for those encouraging words! I believe the practice of reconciling everyone around the world is paramount. When Karma happens, good or bad, we should operate as one body. When an individual cell operates independently from the body, it is cancerous. Let us try to function all together well and always speak well of others here or there. China/Stone are allowed unpeaceful moments. Until then enjoy Peace!

YoYo, I am not sure what you are saying. I don't remember anyone saying America has any important things to be concerned with. How did America get into this? Who wants to take away anyone's opinion?

If you read a little about tibetan buddhism you will find it has deities that are protectors there to spurn the enemies of the Dharma,the teachings and to protect Tibet. I think it was a reasonable assumption by Sharon Stone,on first thoughts,but she has corrected herself and is now doing some positive action. No one would wish harm on others in the form of an earthquake.

Umm, I never claimed to be a buddhist, and I'm not. And I can comment about someone if I want to. That's sort of the point of this forum. If you're entitled to your opinion, then so am I.

Have we heard of Karma? Obviously - it's in the title of the article.
Have you heard of Krypton?

First of all, I don't think karma has anything to do with earthquakes. There's no Almighty God who strikes people down with natural disasters for oppressing Buddhist monks. That's just silly. It's like saying someone got HIV because they were rude to their teacher. There's no connection at all.

Secondly, people should not care much what Sharon Stone says. She's just a Hollywood celebrity, and she also forced UNICEF to contribute $750,000 to buying mosquito nets which were already provided by African governments and which were then stolen and sold as dresses on the black market. Not the spiritual leader anyone should be looking to if they care at all about Buddhism.