The Law of Karma

Karma is the eternal assertion of human freedom…

Our thoughts, our words, and deeds are the threads of the net which we throw around ourselves.

Swami Vivekanda

Good Karma

Bad Karma

What we sow is what you reap…

I have always approached the concept of Karma with a fair bit of caution – the same way you hold a new-born or talk to a teenager. I felt somewhat puzzled by the fact that quite often I’ve received just the opposite of what I wanted.

So you can understand my great surprise when I learned that in Vedic Sciences karma means the ultimate freedom of choice. The word “karma” can be translated from Sanskrit as both action and the consequence of that action; it is cause and effect simultaneously.

How do our choices and actions, conscious or unconscious, form the software of our soul? Rajmani Tigunait, the spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute writes:

“Every action leaves an impression in our memory. Repeated actions reinforce these impressions, eventually turning them into strong habit patterns. As habits mature, they become an integral part of our vast unconscious mind. Strong habits become the building blocks of our personality. They define our being.”

We all have heard about conditioning. From the moment we are born and from the moment we open our eyes every morning, a ceaseless stream of messages tells us what is acceptable in our society. Our sensory experiences condition our nervous system; our parents, friends, peers and media condition how we think and act. After a while,  the usual, repetitious and predictable responses to people and circumstances take place, as we stop recognizing a choice behind our actions.

Is there a way out of the karmic circle? For as long as we see ourselves as the individuals, separate from one another and the world around, the wheel of karma will continue to revolve.

Start by witnessing your choices. The simple act of recognizing that there is a choice is the first step toward freeing yourself from the prison of conditioning.

As you make a choice, listen to feelings and sensations in your body. Our bodies and especially our hearts are intuitively and holistically connected to  the field of pure awareness – pure potentiality where every choice, even the one that seems irrational to your mind, is possible. If the feelings are of comfort and joy – go ahead, and make that choice!

What about the past karma, the seeds of memories, choices and actions that are creating your present moment?

It goes without saying that karmic debts are always paid. The choice is up to you!

Most people choose to pay their  karmic debt unconsciously.

You can transmute your karma by using the knowledge you’ve gained from the experience to help other human beings.

This way, while still paying your karmic debt, you will also convert the adversity into an opportunity that benefits the community and brings you fulfillment.

“… when we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is happiness and success.”

Deepak Chopra

The third way is to transcend your karma, or become independent of it. Every time you sit to meditate and contact the field of pure awareness, you transcend or purify the seeds of your karma, as if washing a dirty cloth in a clean stream of water.

Apply The Law of Karma or Cause and Effect to your life:

Witness the choices you make.

As you witness your choices, ask yourself  what would the consequences be and would they bring you and those around you happiness and fulfillment.

Listen to your heart for guidance.

Have you seen the movie “Precious” ? It is heart wrenching, raw, emotional, beautiful – a inspiring example of transcendence.

The mantra for The Law of Karma:

OM Kriyam Namah

My actions are aligned with cosmic law