It seems as though we use the word karma in casual conversation like we would use the word luck or chance. I always hear the word used in casual conversation and it makes me wonder, what does karma mean for most people?
I’m guessing here but I think that most people use the word karma like they would use the words magic, lucky or fate. I’m not sure that people who use the word have actually ever thought about what it means.
I’m asking myself, what does karma mean?
When I think about the word karma all kinds of images come to mind. I’m picturing an old Indian guru wagging his finger at me warning I should take care of what I do in this life or it will come back to haunt me in the next. If I’m not good now I might be incarnated in my next life as a cow or monkey!
I also see the glamorous and trendy brand of the word “Karma”. I see it plastered on tattoo shops and new age stores that sell crystals and incense. I also see it marketed in Trader Joe’s on bags of pasta or cans of soup.
None of these things can be what karma is… right?
I don’t think any of the above has much to do with karma at all. So when I examine all that and ask myself again… what is karma? I realize I have to look past all those imprinted images, I have to go beyond my conditioning and see what’s really there.
After careful consideration it appears to me that the word karma is truly a beautiful and precious word that can imply an infinite amount of love.
Let’s take the generic definition of karma and break it down. Basically most of us think karma is tit for tat… what you do now will determine how the future will be for you later. I don’t know if any of you really believe that or not but lets forget all that and go further.
I wouldn’t say I believe in the generic definition of karma or most other definitions but I’ll tell you what I’ve come to understand it to be.
I don’t see karma as something to be feared or threatened with. I also don’t see it as some sort of cosmic game or anything fantastic like that. I do see however the opportunity to express love at every moment of our lives.
We’re not loving one another to keep score or save up points for the next life, we love one another because it’s who we truly are. We love one another because it’s natural and it feels great!
All the bad things that happen in our lives or in the world for that matter… aren’t due to bad karma, rather there’s not enough love present. If there were enough love present then there wouldn’t be any room for fear, crisis and confusion wouldn’t arise.
I have karma, karma doesn’t have me.
I say this because at every moment in my life I have the opportunity to express myself via the vehicle of love as opposed to fear. When I live my daily life I am fully aware of the dangers and opportunities that present themselves. When something bad happens unexpectedly or I’m approached by someone with aggression or hate… how will I respond?
If I’m present at the moment life takes a turn for the worse then I can see that there is no need to fear the danger or aggression trying to rock my world. I see this as an opportunity, an opportunity to respond with love and nothing else. I don’t respond with love because I’m hoping to gain enlightenment or a higher incarnation my next life (if there is a next life). I respond with love because I want to be loved back, I want nothing but love around me and there isn’t any room for anything else in my life.
So when I think of the word karma I think of love. I see the opportunity for all of us to love one another and be loved back.
I would like to leave you with this question…
what does karma mean to you?
