do you believe in karma?

EVERY ACTION HAS A REACTION

The word karma means “action.” It’s a core concept in Hinduism and Buddhism (and other wisdom traditions) that invites us to recognise that all our actions produce effects.

The understanding of karma helps us to become aware that every choice we make leads to an outcome. When we dwell on a thought, play out an emotion, indulge in desire or take an action it has a ripple effect – we set in motion a cause that will have an effect in our lives…and the lives of those around us. In some way our every action ripples out and touches everything.

A good way to begin to understand karma is by observing our habit patterns. When we look at habit and conditioning, we can sense how our brain and consciousness create repeated patterns. If we practice tennis enough, we will anticipate our next hit as soon as the ball leaves the other player’s racquet.

If we practice being angry, the slightest insult will trigger our rage. These patterns are like a rewritable CD. When they are burned in repeatedly, the pattern becomes the regular response. Modern neuroscience has demonstrated this quite convincingly. Our repeated patterns of thought and action actually change our nervous system.

- “The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology,”

[Photo by Daniel Bernard on Unsplash]

THE INTENTION BEHIND OUR ACTIONS MATTERS... A LOT

In the Buddhist teachings on karma, the intention behind our actions is of incredible importance.

Actions taken with virtuous intentions grow the seeds of happiness and love in our lives, whereas actions that come from intentions to harm or from greed, hatred or selfishness will move us towards suffering. 
And again, all of our actions, whether virtuous or not, will ripple out and affect everything around us.

“Karma moves in two directions. If we act virtuously, the seed we plant will result in happiness. If we act non-virtuously, suffering results.”― Sakyong Mipham