Karma - the simple Law of cause and effect
Karma, a simple word that has a big impact on our lives, but it’s becoming somewhat of a controversial subject. Hindus and Buddhists believe that the sum of your actions in this life, as well as those in previous lives, decides your fate for future existences. Otherwise known as karma, this simple act of cause and effect is often used by others, as a means to illustrate how ‘good’ or ‘bad’ people have been – like a form of judgement over them. After all, if your world today is simply a reflection of your past actions, it follows to reason that, if you’re having a rough ride in this life, it must mean you’ve been ‘bad’ in a previous one, right?
Well, no. You see, karma isn’t a retribution-like system.
Karma isn’t about retribution or judgement
In its purest form, karma is about our actions and the intention behind them. It’s about whether we’re acting out of good-will or ill-will, whether we’re intending to be compassionate or heartless and cruel.
Karma isn’t about looking around you, seeing people doing bad things and judging them for their actions – it’s about being aware of your own thoughts and actions, whilst understanding the subsequent consequences of them. It isn’t something that’s instant – for karma isn’t linear – it’s a universal law that’s there to teach you and help you grow.
Karma is about connection and growth
We’re all connected and karma is another way of experiencing that. We understand how everything is about cause and effect, action and consequence, to treat others us we want to be treated ourselves. It’s about learning how to better understand the world and ensuring we become the best we can be, whilst here; someone who’s compassionate, kind, understanding and non-judgemental of others.
Karma is about how we’re growing as an individual. It helps us to consider how our actions and thoughts impact ourselves and those around us. When we carry out an act of ill-will, it is our choice whether we learn from it and modify our behaviour for the better, or whether we repeat it and let it evolve into a negative habit.
Utilise mindfulness to create better karma
When we use mindfulness, we’re giving ourselves an opportunity to reflect on our actions and thoughts. We can become aware of when we’re reacting, rather than acting from a place of intention, and then decide on our ultimate course of action – fully aware of the effect our actions and words will have in creating our own karma.
Karma isn’t something that can be stopped; it’s a universal law that treats everyone the same. However, you can change karma – by learning from your past and using it to change your present. Learn the lesson you missed the first time around. Take responsibility for your actions and ask for forgiveness. Forgive others and learn to let hate and revenge go. Listen to your inner guidance and be grateful for everything – from the day-to-day things, right through to the most difficult of lessons. And finally, learn to be kind and loving, to yourself and others. Treat them as you’d like to be treated – and then you’ll understand the Law of Karma.
What are your thoughts around karma? Is it something that you’re consciously implementing or is it something that you feel you have no control over? How has today’s post impacted on your thoughts around karma? Why not share your thoughts on karma, in the comments section below!
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