From The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, by Deepak Chopra.
Karma is both action and the consequences of that action, the cause and the effect. We have all heard, "You reap what you sow.” Karma is related to conscious choice making. Everything happening now is a result of choices made in the past, whether we like it or not. We often make choices unconsciously, and don't think of them as choices, but they are. If someone is rude to us, we could choose to not be offended. If someone gives us a compliment, we could choose to not be flattered. If something is stressful to think about, we could choose to direct our attention elsewhere.
Most people constantly respond to things unconsciously. Truthfully we have options as to how we react. When we witness our own responses we move from unconscious into conscious thinking. This is very empowering!
So in making a choice ask, “What are the consequences of this choice? Also ask, "Will this choice bring happiness to me and others around me?" If the answer is yes, make the choice. If the answer is no, don’t make the choice. It’s that simple.
In every circumstance there’s one choice that will create happiness for us and others around us. This is called “spontaneous right action,“ the right action at the right moment. When we feel relief and peace, it's usually the right choice. When we feel tension and stress, it's usually the wrong choice. Our hearts know the correct answers.
We can do three things about past karma:
~Pay debts. Most people choose this, usually unconsciously. Suffering can be involved. The law of karma says that no debt in the universe ever goes unpaid. So sometimes we just have to live through difficulties.
~Transmute or transform our karma to a more desirable experience. Ask, “What can I learn from this experience? Why is this happening and what is the message? How can I make my experience useful for others?” For example, due to bad temper and arrogance a young man loses a cherished girlfriend. Taking it to heart, he changes for the better. He becomes more humble and less angry.
~Transcend karma. Experience our spirit. There is a purification process with this. We can transcend karma through the practice of meditation.
All actions are karmic episodes. Our soul is a bundle of consciousness that has the seeds of karma, memory, and desire. By becoming conscious of these seeds we become a conscious creator of reality. As long as karma is evolutionary for both ourselves and others affected by us, the fruit of karma will be happiness and success.
How to put the law of karma into effect in our lives?
~Make a conscious decision to pay attention to choices made every moment. This helps us become fully present.
~When making choices ask, "What are the consequences of this choice? Will this choice bring goodness to me and others affected by it?”
~Bestill our hearts and listen for guidance. Pay attention to messages of comfort and discomfort. If a choice feels comfortable, go for it. If a choice feels uncomfortable, pause and think about the consequences. This will help us make correct choices for ourselves and for those around us.
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