Karma

I have struggled with the concept Karma for a long time, always focusing on the "reward and punishment" part of how it has been commonly understood.  However, in Buddhism, Karma (Karma Niyama) is the order of act and result, e.g., desirable and undesirable acts produce corresponding good and bad results.  As surely as water seeks its own level so does Karma. Karma produces its inevitable result, not in the form of a reward or punishment but as an innate sequence. This sequence of deed and effect is as natural and necessary as the way of the sun and the moon.


What I understand from this definition, is that in addition to Karma being a vital part of the sequence of life, there is also an element of coming into balance that is innate and at its essence, originating from a non-judgmental place.


Some people might say God is the Karmic force, putting things into our lives (act) because we need to learn a particular lesson (result).  Everything happens for a reason.  I believe that too.  Everything does happen for a reason. 


Especially in the most difficult times, I struggle to glean the reason for why a situation is happening, even more so when the situation is pushing against my edges of coping, when life is experienced as what Pema Chodron calls groundless.  It is especially in these times of extraordinary challenge (for me and so many of us), I want so badly to find the reason.


When I can't discover the reason, I turn to the spiritual reality that there is a reason, and perhaps I might not be ready for the reason.  But lessons and reasons will come and what I will learn will be exactly what I need to learn to be a better person and give of my self in more authentic, compassionate and loving ways.  


The law of Karma is always working - a balancing is and will continue to happen - I take comfort in what Imam Jamal says, even in the most difficult times, blessings are on the way.  


Shalom, Salaam, Shanti, Peace