We have all heard the common adages, “You reap what you sow”, “What goes around comes around”, etc. And to a certain extent Karma really is that simple. But it is not as easy as having a negative thought and then stubbing your toe. Nor are all of our experiences related to an infinite number of past lives that we are continually answering for.
Karma is really about our intentions as we move through our lives. If we are driven in our actions by greed, jealousy, anger, lust, etc., the kind of reality that we will create for ourselves will be filled with just those types of circumstances, resulting in a life of suffering and pain. However, we can make conscious choices that enable us to move through our lives with faith, in a state of gratitude and compassion, and practicing forgiveness for others and for ourselves. As Jesus the Nazarene states in Luke 6:37 “Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you…For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Of course, although we are divine souls, we are having a human experience. And as such, we are bound to be less than perfect…it’s all part of the process!
Here are the twelve laws of karma.
1.The Great Law: Whatever we put into the Universe will come back to us.
We create our realities with our intentions, which lead to our actions.
2.The Law of Creation: Life does not happen by itself, we need to make it happen.
We each have our work to do in the world. Our first task is to create the vision for our lives and then do the tasks that align in front of us to move toward our vision.
3.The Law of Humility: One must accept something in order to change it.
If we don’t like our circumstances, we have the power to change them. But we have to acknowledge that something is broken before we can fix it.
4.The Law of Growth: When we change ourselves, our lives follow suit and also change.
When we change our intentions and move from a place of fear and despair to a place of gratitude and forgiveness, we will shortly see the changes manifesting in our external circumstances.
5.The Law of Responsibility: We must take responsibility for what is in our lives.
Self-awareness is the first step in taking responsibility for what is. The next step is to take responsibility for changing what isn’t working.
6.The Law of Connection: The past, the present and the future are all connected.
The past has moved us toward the present, which will direct us toward the future. It is the thread of life.
7.The Law of Focus: We cannot think of two different things at the same time.
If we let our minds continue to think of the past – wrongs, disappointments, hurts – we cannot focus on our present. Our attention becomes our intention, so the past will continue to repeat itself.
8.The Law of Giving and Hospitality: Our behavior should be reflected in our thoughts and actions.
Treat each other and ourselves with compassion and love. Don’t be afraid to give that smile, extend a helping hand, or voice words of support. It will come back to you tenfold.
9.The Law of Here and Now: One cannot be present if they are looking backward.
Looking backward and dwelling on what might have been, what you could have said, what you might have done differently is a waste of time. You cannot change the past, but you can be present, right now.
10.The Law of Change: History repeats itself until we learn from it and change our path.
If nothing changes, nothing changes. The same beliefs, thoughts and actions will produce the same results.
11.The Law of Patience and Reward: The most valuable rewards require persistence.
Things that have the most value take time – relationships, vocations, good health. These are all things that require time and effort to nurture and maintain. One has to practice…and practice takes time.
12.The Law of Significant Inspiration: Rewards are the direct result of the energy and effort we put into something.
Only by commitment and persistence do we achieve the greatest gifts – for it is in the Journey that we discover the true meaning of abundance and prosperity.
Love and Light to All –
C
