Karma

You hear it all of the time, “Karma is a bitch”. People usually think about karma when someone has done something to them that they believe is wrong. I rarely hear someone talk about karma when something is going right. Why is that?

Perhaps it is human nature to want revenge; to think that some unseen force will bring about justice for you. But if you really think about it, karma has nothing to do with punishment at all. 

What is Karma?

 

 The definition of karma is:

1. The sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.
2. Destiny or fate, following as effect from cause.
3. Inevitable consequence.

So if we are to believe the simple definition of the word, then Karma is just a product of cause and effect, by one’s own making. 

Action and Reaction

Think about Sir Issac Newton’s 3^rd law of motion. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  If you push on something, it will push back; the bigger the push, the bigger the push back.

For example, consider the flying motion of birds. A bird flies by use of its wings. The wings of a bird push air downwards. Since forces result from mutual interactions, the air must also be pushing the bird upwards. The size of the force on the air equals the size of the force on the bird; the direction of the force on the air (downwards) is opposite the direction of the force on the bird (upwards). 

For every action, there is an equal (in size) and opposite (in direction) reaction. Action-reaction force pairs make it possible for birds to fly. (ref. http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/newtlaws/Lesson-4/Newton-s-Third-Law)

 It is the intent with which we live our lives that will determine your karma overall. 

One act does not reap a reaction from karma. One wrong doing against another person is not what creates the karma of the wrong doer. It’s about the combined energy we emit over time. Likewise, one good act will also not determine your karma. 

It is the intent with which we live our lives that will determine our karma overall. One huge bad act or one extreme act of kindness can tip the scales. However, it is the intent, what is within the person over all, that will determine your karma, good or bad.

Karma is not instant nor is it singular. 

Thank goodness! 

Something else I often hear people say is that they hope to be witness to a person’s negative karma. Let me say here and now, that probably will not happen.  However, how does that one statement affect your karma? In essence, the person making that statement is emitting negative energy against the other person. Perhaps you are justified momentarily in your thought. We are all human, right? We all make mistakes. But think about it, if one bad act could create a karmic reaction, would you be deserving equally of a karmic reaction to your negative thought?  

Here is another thought, and something that fits perfectly with the concept of karma. Sometimes God has to let you wreck yourself so he can build you back up.  The sum total of a person’s life is not determined by one period of time. Some people are just going through a difficult period, or a learning curve. They may do some things that hurt others, intentionally or unintentionally during this time. It’s very possible that they will come out of the other side stronger, kinder and wiser. Sometimes that person will go on to do great things. Those great things will balance out their karma, or completely change it.

Yes, there are some who never change. Some people go about their entire lives doing great harm. What you need to remember is that is their karma, not yours. Your karma will, in part, be determined by how you handle difficult people and difficult situations. Something I always tell those who come to me for council, you cannot change how a person acts. You only have control over how you react. The thing is, it’s better not to live your life reacting to someone else. Live your life the best way you can. When you are dealing with a difficult person, say a little prayer for them and move on. Give it to God, it is not for you to judge or try to change. 

The Ripple Effect

A stone thrown into a mud puddle will create muddy water. The stone thrown into a clear calm pool of water creates beautiful ripples that can reflect light and create a magnificent picture. Is your water muddy or clean?

Just remember, most people are not lost causes, they have just never learned the effect, good or bad, of what they put out there, into the universe, and how it sets up the ripples that create outcomes.