September 2022 | Volume 5
Destiny - Fate or Choice?
“Jaisi Karni, Waisi Bharni” (You reap what you sow) is a proverb that I have known since I was in preschool. It was perhaps much later that I got to know of this new word ‘Karma’ in the pop culture vocabulary. The meaning to me, was still aligned with the childhood proverb.
And then, as I grew up, its meaning to me expanded - my Karma is my destiny; I will have to live with it, and won’t be able to do anything about it!
Now, cut to a week back, I attended Subba’s ‘Grow Wisdom’ session on Karma. It was 6am at my end of the world as he patiently explained how the law works and how it impacts us. Deeply intrigued, I was wide awake!
After the session, I realised that the proverb oversimplifies the concept of Karma. The early morning session was indeed a wake up call! I wanted to learn more and understand better.
Here, I try to share my understanding of the essence:
Karma is a Sanskrit word meaning “Action” when used as a verb and “Fruits of Action” when used as a noun.
Karma as a verb refers to Thought, Speech, and Action.
In its noun form, there are 3 kinds of Karma:
#1. MATURED KARMA (FRUIT)
The Karma which is in play today. The results of our past actions (thought, speech) that are bearing results today. It can be good or bad. Think of it like a ripe fruit that has fallen. It can be delicious or rotten. Or the arrow which has already left the bow in a certain direction - it could help or harm. This is already happening and in play.
#2. ACTIONABLE KARMA (FLOWER)
The fruit of present actions (speech and thought) that can impact our Karmic balance that have turned from seed to flower. It is that flower that has the potential to become a fruit (sweet or rotten). Or an arrow that is still on the bow that the archer still has control over how he directs.
#3. STOCK KARMA (SEED)
The sum of all our accumulated karma from our past actions (thoughts, speech) that are still in the form of stock. Think of it like a seed, which will sprout when the circumstances are right, or like an arrow that is still in the quiver.
But isn’t this all still a bit complex?
All we need to know is that we have a choice.
It is by exercising this choice that we can break the cycle of Matured Karma, direct the action from Actionable Karma, or dissolve our stock.
And that choice can be exercised only when we are aware.
Awareness of the cycle that we are caught in, our tendencies to act (think or speak) in a certain way, or of our actions (thought or speech) in the past, which need to dissolve.
And that awareness arises only when we pause.
The tools that we use to pause are - Meditation, Silence, Fasting, or Journaling. All of them help pause the cyclical action (thought and speech), and in those moments arises the awareness and your power to choose.
Yes, you have the power to (re)write your destiny!
p.s. But, do we carry a stock of Karma as we enter this life or do we carry it as we pass on? Do contemplate more on this intriguing question in our next issue.
- Surbhi [As guided by Subba]
Upcoming events
Vishwa Shanti
At a time when one war gives way to another, when violence continues to dominate our news and views, and when peace seems a distant dream, we present Vishwa Shanthi (World Peace) as a reminder of what we can create together.
Vishwa Shanthi is a gathering of people from around the world of all ages and faiths, coming together to chant, sing, and speak for peace.
All you need to do is to join us online on Sunday, September 11. For new registrants, click below and you will receive the zoom link to join.
LEARN MORE
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Until next month…
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