What is Karma?
The Law of Karma is a principle found in various Eastern philosophies, particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It suggests that every action has consequences, and these consequences are determined by the nature of the action. Essentially, good actions lead to positive outcomes, while bad actions lead to negative ones.
Here are the key ideas behind the Law of Karma:
Cause and Effect: Karma is often described as a law of cause and effect. Every action (whether physical, verbal, or mental) creates an energy that will eventually come back to the person who performed the action.
Intentions Matter: Not only the action itself, but also the intention behind it is crucial. For example, helping someone with a genuine heart has a different karmic effect than helping with a selfish intention.
Karma is Not Immediate: The effects of karma may not be immediate, and sometimes they may manifest in future lifetimes, which is why some believe in reincarnation. In some interpretations, karma can accumulate over several lifetimes.
Balance and Justice: Karma is viewed as a way of ensuring that there is balance and justice in the universe. Even if someone appears to "get away" with bad actions in the short term, karma ensures that their negative deeds will eventually catch up with them.
Personal Responsibility: The Law of Karma encourages people to take responsibility for their actions. It emphasizes self-awareness and mindful living, urging individuals to act with compassion and integrity.
Not Punitive, but Transformative: Karma is not about punishment but about transformation and learning. Negative karma may offer a chance for growth, allowing individuals to reflect on their actions and make better choices in the future.
In essence, the Law of Karma teaches that we are responsible for the energy we put into the world, and the world responds accordingly.
Effect of Thoughts on Karma:
Every action is preceded by thoughts. The most powerful instrument that a human soul is gifted is the thought power. Thoughts build your consciousness, shape your attitude, and then design your life. One needs to know how important thoughts are. Every human creation we see in this world is due to the powerful thoughts of a human mind brought alive. The quality of our thoughts designs our world. Thoughts are fertilized by our knowledge, our root belief system. A person with a certain kind of knowledge usually creates thoughts in harmony with that knowledge. Then someone who has imbibed spiritual knowledge would most likely create pure, powerful thoughts in harmony with his original nature.
The quality of thoughts determines the quality of our karma. Karma in turn is rewarded back to us in the future. So right thinking based on the right knowledge is the recipe for beautiful and lasting relationships, and living a peaceful and contented life. Raja Yoga meditation 'elevates' our vibrations/thought energy in harmony with the supreme being (God) and hence at first our inner world of thoughts becomes beautiful. This also helps in remaining mentally strong amidst turbulent situations. Finally the same is reflected in our outer world also. Everything starts to become right. We begin to do righteous karma, which harms no one and uplifts anyone who comes in contact.
Then our karma begins at the level of thought. Therefore, to re-design your life you must begin the transformation in your thinking, in your perspective. It is the spiritual wisdom that helps in achieving this transforming. And also the practise of remembering and using our original virtues in daily living.
