What is Karma? Karma is the Sanskrit word for action. It is equivalent to Newton’s law of ‘every action must have a reaction’. When we think, speak or act we initiate a force that will react accordingly. This returning force maybe modified, changed or suspended, but most people will not be able eradicate it. This law of cause and effect is not punishment, but is wholly for the sake of education or learning.
A person may not escape the consequences of his actions, but he will suffer only if he himself has made the conditions ripe for his suffering. Ignorance of the law is no excuse whether the laws are man-made or universal. To stop being afraid and to start being empowered in the worlds of karma and reincarnation, here is what you need to know about karmic laws.
Now that we’ve established a basic understanding of karma, let’s take a look at 12 of Karma’s laws that can change your life.
1) The Great Law: “As you sow, so shall you reap.”
The simple explanation of the Great Law is: our thought and actions have consequences – good or bad. If we desire peace, love, harmony, prosperity, etc. we must be willing to act accordingly.
This is also known as the “Law of Cause and Effect.” Also, energy (thought, action) that we put into the world has a consequence, immediate or not.
2) The Law of Creation: “What we desire comes through participation.”
The life we see around us was created by a person’s intentions. As we are one with the Universe, our intentions determine the evolution of creation. Since what we surround ourselves with becomes part of us, it’s our responsibility to ensure these surroundings are conducive to our desires.
3) The Law of Humility: “Refusal to accept what is will still be what is.”
Acceptance is a near-universal virtue in many belief systems. Simply put, we must first accept the present circumstances in order to change them.
In focusing on the negative instead of making changes to address the negative, we’re committing to a zero-sum result.
4) The Law of Growth: “Our own growth is above any circumstance.”
The only thing we have control over is ourselves. The subsequent action (or inaction) of motive will yield either positive or negative circumstances in our lives.
True change only occurs if we make the commitment to change what is in our heart.
5) The Law of Responsibility: “Our lives are of our own doing, nothing else.”
When there is turbulence in one’s own life, there is often turbulence internally. If we’re to change our life, we must change our frame of mind and surroundings.
6) The Law of Connection: “Everything in the Universe is connected, both large and small.”
Our past, present and future are all connected. As such, we must put in the work to change these connections if we desire something different.
No step – first, intermediate or last – is more important in the accomplishment of a task. All are required.
7) The Law of Focus: “One cannot direct attention beyond a single task.”
Relating to our spiritual growth, we cannot have negative thoughts or actions and expect to grow spiritually. We must direct full attention to achieve any desired task.
8) The Law of Hospitality and Giving: “Demonstrating our selflessness shows true intentions.”
Put simply: what we claim to believe must manifest into our actions. Selflessness is a virtue only if we’re accommodating something other than ourselves.
Without a selfless nature, true spiritual growth is nearly impossible.