Karma: Rules to Live By

 Karma: Rules to Live By

Karma is a concept that originated in Eastern religions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, but has since become widely recognized and adopted into popular culture worldwide.

Origin:
The concept of karma first appeared in the oldest Hindu text, the Rigveda, and was further developed in later texts such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. In these ancient scriptures, karma is a central theme tied to the belief in reincarnation and the ethical consequences of one's actions.

Definition:
Karma is often defined as the spiritual principle of cause and effect, where the intent and actions of an individual influence their future experiences and circumstances, either in the current life or in subsequent incarnations. It is the belief that good actions and intentions lead to positive outcomes (good karma), while harmful actions and intentions bring about negative results (bad karma).

Key aspects of karma include:

1. Causality: Every action, thought, or intention is believed to have a corresponding reaction or consequence.
2. Moral responsibility: Individuals are considered responsible for their actions and the resulting outcomes.
3. Cycle of rebirth: In Hinduism and Buddhism, karma is closely tied to the belief in reincarnation, where the accumulated karma from past lives determines one's current life circumstances and future rebirths.
4. Universal principle: Karma is seen as a universal law that applies to all beings, transcending religious, cultural, and personal boundaries.

In contemporary usage, the concept of karma has been adapted and interpreted more loosely, often referring to the general idea that "what goes around comes around" or that one's actions have consequences. However, this simplified understanding does not fully capture the depth and complexity of the original concept as understood within the Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

The 12 Rules

Here are the 12 Laws of Karma, each followed by an expanded explanation relating them to Hindu and Buddhist spiritual contexts, along with relevant references from Vedic literature and a comparison to Christian beliefs:

1. The Great Law: Whatever we put into the Universe will come back to us. 
   This law aligns with the Hindu and Buddhist concept of karma, emphasizing that our actions have consequences. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (4.4.5) states, "You are what your deep, driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny." In Christianity, this is similar to the idea of reaping what one sows (Galatians 6:7).
2. The Law of Creation: Life does not happen by itself; we need to make it happen.
   This law resonates with the Hindu concept of Maya, which suggests that the world is an illusion created by divine play. The Rig Veda (10.129.1-7) describes the creation of the universe and the role of the divine in it. In Buddhism, it relates to the idea that we create our reality through our thoughts and actions. Christianity teaches that God is the ultimate creator (Genesis 1:1), and our thoughts and actions need to be directed to him to acheive salvation (Romans 8:5-7). Budda says in The Dhammapada “Mind precedes all mental states. Mind is their chief; they are all mind-wrought. If with an impure mind a person speaks or acts, suffering follows him like the wheel that follows the foot of the ox.”
3. The Law of Humility: One must accept something in order to change it.
   This law is similar to the Buddhist concept of non-attachment and the Hindu notion of detachment from ego. The Bhagavad Gita (13.8-12) emphasizes the importance of humility as a divine quality. In Christianity, humility is considered a virtue (James 4:10).
4. The Law of Growth: When we change ourselves our lives change too.
   This law parallels the Hindu and Buddhist ideas of spiritual growth and enlightenment. The Mundaka Upanishad (3.1.1) states, "Truth alone triumphs; not falsehood. Through truth the divine path is spread out by which the sages whose desires have been completely fulfilled, reach to where is that supreme treasure of Truth." In Christianity, spiritual growth is encouraged through faith and good works (2 Peter 3:18).
5. The Law of Responsibility: We must take responsibility for what is in our lives.
   This law reflects the Hindu and Buddhist emphasis on taking responsibility for one's actions and their consequences. The Bhagavad Gita (3.27) says, "All actions are performed by the gunas (qualities) of prakriti (nature). Deluded by identification with the ego, a person thinks, 'I am the doer.'" In Christianity, individuals are held accountable for their choices (Romans 14:12).
6. The Law of Connection: The past, present and future are all connected.
   |This law echoes the Hindu and Buddhist concepts of interconnectedness and the cyclical nature of existence. The Bhagavad Gita (4.24) states, "Brahman is the offering, Brahman is the oblation poured out by Brahman into the fire of Brahman. Brahman is to be attained by one who always sees Brahman in action." Christianity teaches that all things are connected through God (Colossians 1:17).
7. The Law of Focus: We cannot think of two different things at a same time.
   This law relates to the Hindu and Buddhist practices of meditation and mindfulness. The Katha Upanishad (2.1.1) emphasizes the importance of focus and self-control in spiritual pursuits. Christianity encourages focusing on God and spiritual matters (Colossians 3:2).
8. The Law of Giving and Hospitality: Our behavior should match our thoughts and actions.
   This law reflects the Hindu and Buddhist emphasis on compassion and generosity. The Taittiriya Upanishad (1.11.2) states, "All this is Brahman. Let a man meditate on that visible world as beginning, ending, and breathing in it (the Brahman)." In Christianity, giving and hospitality are encouraged (Acts 20:35).
9. The Law of Here and Now: We cannot be present if we are looking backward.
   This law resonates with the Buddhist concept of mindfulness and living in the present moment. The Isha Upanishad (1) states, "All this, whatsoever moves in this moving world, is enveloped by God." Christianity encourages living in the present while trusting in God's plan (Matthew 6:34).
10. The Law of Change: History repeats itself until we learn from it and change our path.
    This law parallels the Hindu and Buddhist ideas of impermanence and the cyclical nature of existence. The Bhagavad Gita (2.22) says, "Just as a person casts off worn-out garments and puts on others that are new, even so does the embodied soul cast off worn-out bodies and take on others that are new." In Christianity, change is seen as part of God's plan (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
11. The Law of Patience and Reward: The most valuable rewards require persistence.
    This law reflects the Hindu and Buddhist notions of perseverance and the fruits of spiritual practice. The Bhagavad Gita (2.40) states, "In this path (of disinterested action) there is no loss of effort, nor is there fear of contrary result. Even a little of this dharma delivers one from the great fear (of birth and death)." Christianity teaches patience and the reward of eternal life (Galatians 6:9).
12. The Law of Significance and Inspiration: Rewards are a direct result of the energy and effort we put into it.
    This law relates to the Hindu and Buddhist concepts of dharma (purpose) and the inspiration gained from spiritual teachings. The Mundaka Upanishad (3.1.4) states, "One who knows the Supreme Brahman becomes Brahman. In his family no one ignorant of Brahman will be born." In Christianity, significance is found in serving God and others (Mark 12:30-31).

While the 12 Laws of Karma have roots in Eastern spirituality, as demonstrated by the references from Vedic literature, many of the underlying principles find parallels in Christian teachings. However, the main difference lies in the central role of a monotheistic God in Christianity, as opposed to the more impersonal, cause-and-effect-based laws of karma in Hinduism and Buddhism.