“When you think everything is someone else’s fault, you will suffer a lot. When you realise everything springs only from yourself, you will learn both peace and joy.” Dalai Lama.
In last week’s blog, I mentioned Karma. There are often misunderstandings about what Karma really is and how it applies to our lives. The definition of Karma may change depending on who you ask. For example, in Sanskrit, Karma literally means “action.” Some people stick to the traditional meaning of the Eastern religions, while others interpret it from a more Western perspective of good and bad. As a result, it can lead to different views on how Karma applies to life.
Therefore, I thought it would be helpful to feature Karma in more detail in this week’s blog. A book I found useful in gaining a better understanding of the definition of Karma is 12 laws of Karma by Manhardeep Singh.
In his book, Singh references Tejal Patel, a specialist in meditation and mindfulness. He sees Karma as a cycle of cause and effect related to action rather than the result. And since it doesn’t set this future in stone, says Patel, we can change our life through our current decisions, thoughts and actions.
Singh’s book features the philosophy behind Karma and its basic principles. He describes these as the 12 Laws of Karma. They are not laws in the genuine sense of the word but guidelines. He offers the view that they are constantly in play, whether you realise it or not and when you live by these Laws you create good Karma in your life, theoretically increasing the likelihood of good things happening.
He says that that everything is energy, including our thoughts and emotions. which are energy in motion. So, everything we do creates corresponding energy that comes back to us in one form or another.
Essentially everything we do generates a positive or negative consequence. Singh says in the book that Karma is a philosophy of how to live our lives so we can truly become the best version of ourselves and live the most fulfilling life we desire.
The guidelines can help us to understand how Karma really works and how to create good Karma in our life. They are summarised below.
1.The Law of Cause & Effect
Whatever thought or energy that we put into the universe will come back to us, either good or bad. We get what we give in life. In order to get what we want we need to embody and be worthy of those things. Essentially, we reap what we sow.
2. The Law of Creation
Life doesn’t happen by itself; we need to make it happen. Therefore, we need to make efforts to create and surround ourselves with what and who we want to be. In doing so we then can create the future we want. It’s important that we use skills and strengths to benefit others not just ourselves.
3. The Law of Humility
We must accept something in order to change it. We have to be humble enough to accept that our present reality results from past actions. We need to think humbly so we can understand and accept any mistakes or weaknesses before taking the next step. Accept reality and make changes.
4. The Law of Growth
When we change ourselves, our lives change too. Growth begins in us. Be the change you want to see in the world. When we change who and what we are within our hearts, our lives follow suit and change too.
5. The Law of Responsibility
We must take responsibility for what is in our lives as we are the owner of what happens to us in life. We are the product of the choices we make and therefore we need to take ownership of our actions rather than keep looking outside ourselves to find excuses.
6. The Law of Connection
The past, present and future are all connected. Who we are today results from our previous actions and who we are tomorrow will result from our actions today. Everything and everyone are connected in some way. Everything we have experienced has led us to the next thing and the next.
7. The Law of Focus
We can’t think of two different things at the same time. Focusing on too many things can slow down progress and lead to frustration and disappointment. We need to direct our full attention to one task in order to accomplish it in the best possible way.
8. The Law of Giving and Hospitality
Our behaviour should match our thoughts and actions. We need to walk our talk, give to what we believe in, be selfless and give to others. If we want to create a peaceful world, we need to focus on creating peace for others.
9. The Law of Here & Now
We can’t be present if we are looking backwards. In order to have peace of mind, we must embrace the present. This can only happen if we let go of negative thoughts or behaviours from our past. If we focus on past events, we will continue to relive them. Live in the present moment.
10. The Law of Change
History repeats itself until we learn from it and change our path. Take steps to do something different to prevent this repeating cycle. Change gives us a fresh path so that we can create a new future and a better version of ourselves.
11. The Law of Patience & Reward
The most valuable rewards require persistence. Consistent hard work pays off. Achieving great things takes time and patience. We need to love the little things we do during our journey to a big goal. By being consistent in our approach to goals and actions, eventually they will come to fruition.
12.The Law of Significance & Inspiration
Rewards result from the energy and effort we put into it. We all have a role and have something to contribute to the world. What we share, may seem small, but it can make a big difference in the lives of others. You may not always feel significant but you are.
I’ve shared these guidelines because I believe everyone should know them and I hope you found them helpful. If you would like more detail or clarity on the information that I have featured, I recommend you read Manhardeep Singh’s book 12 laws of Karma .
This week, why not pause for a few moments to reflect. Consider if any of these principles particularly resonate with you. If so, think of ways you can integrate the principle(s) into your life more often and consistently.
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