Karma -- Thoughts?

[Blackbird]

No matter what we define Karma as, or how it manifests itself, everyone has experienced forms of this 'idea'. It all depends on how you look at it, personally. But then again, that goes for all religions, beliefs, opinions, and so on.

I'm not really sure about Karma. I think bad things are going to happen regardless, and you are supposed to learn from them. But again, we are all human, we all make mistakes, and we are all capable in some form or other of committing bad acts. So again, I guess it's all about perspective, I'm completely fine with saying that it exists though.

However, the concept of "you did something bad in this life, so in your next life you will be punished" doesn't sit right with me, personally. I grew up in a very abusive home - if the concept of this is to help a person grow and learn to be pure to make it to the gods, as seen by the traditional Hindu religion, then no, it doesn't always work. Obviously. Maybe I did do something bad in a past life, but should a child have to go through such abuse in the next? I'm not sure. It has made me a better person, actually, but there are far better ways to create a good person.

I do believe in reincarnation, I think in each life you gain some understanding or insight that you bring into the next, I think it makes people who they are, as does what we go through in our current lives - again, affecting the next. But I'm not sure if there is another waiting for me.

I'm eclectic, a neo-Pagan, so I really don't stick with any specific religious 'rules' that I must follow, aside from being kind to others, as in the Wiccan Rede (short version). I also do not believe in hell, but believe in angels, though not necessarily the same concept of heaven that most hold to it.

I guess I'm at the point where, whatever happens, happens. Why am I put on this earth to go through a bunch of crap just to possibly reach a great destination? Yes, it probably is great, and if I don't reach that, then that sucks, but really, what is the point? Hopefully, wherever I go, I won't be coming back.

 

[Blackbird]

Ok, so maybe I shouldn't leave it at such a depressing note, especially when it contradicts my sig line (think puppies, flowers, butterflies and babies, darn it!).

ANYWAY, no matter what we all believe, we need to learn to accept and love each other. We are all humans, we need that understanding. Fighting over beliefs gets us no where, instead of condemning each other for being different, we should enjoy the variety! Remember that everyone!

 

[AngieChick]

I don't believe in Karma, or in an afterlife for that matter. For me, our time on earth is all we have. Therefor I feel that I have a responsibility to lead a life that is mindful of others and respectful of their time in life. Kindness, compassion and tolerance go a long way towards that goal.

 

[welsummerchicks]

One thing that is amazing is that no matter what people believe, they almost always come to the same conclusion, that one must do the right thing, whether it will get one up into heaven or not. Even when there is no heaven, no God or gods, people still generally come to the same conclusion.

 

[AngieChick]

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Yep, that's the wonderful part of being human.

 

[scbatz33]

I do believe in Kahrma. I believe you get what you give - and that in essence is what kharma is......

Unfortunately based on that principal and the course my life has taken lately, I must have been the Marquis de Sade or Marie Antoinette or Pontious Pilot...maybe eve n all three........

 

[Fourgirlsoneboy]

Amen!
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[CoyoteMagic]

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LOL sorry about that ON!

Loved that thread. We had so much fun. I think it was 160+pages worth. Taught me to keep my cool too when dealing with those not of like mind.


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We've pondered all summer long!! Is it possible to have the thread opened back up Mean 'ol Terrie? (

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[booker81]

I just wanted to add on....again...and again, way too early in the morn!

For me, the "bad" that happens in life isn't as much as good/evil, fun/suck, etc. I look at them as tests or trials, a chance to make your karmic choices. There is no right or wrong, just a different direction that leads to different tests, different experiences.

Remember those books where if you chose "this", then turn to page 50, but if you chose "that" then turn to page 80? That's how I see life and it's problems. And pulling back to my marble analogy, whatever decisions, actions and choices you make determine where you go down the line. The number of white vs black marbles makes the choice on what pages you go to later in life.

A short (or maybe not) example. I used to be an Organic Chemist, with experience in Micro and Molecular Biology. I lived and breathed science. When I became pregnant, I became VERY sick, not just throwing up sick or pregnant related, but I spent a week in the cardiac ward for some hefty heart problems, then emergency surgery at 6 months to have my appendix out, kidney failure after that, and a host of other problems. I had to leave my job, the "career" I planned for myself, and instead pretty much lived at the hospital for the majority of my pregnancy. I also had the constant worry for my child as I was on a LOT of nasty medication, up to and including general anesthesia for the appendectomy. For brevity, I'll stop here, but you get the gist. It was bad, very bad. At that point, I was only two years out of a bad divorce, and my boyfriend at the time, DH now, was my best friend, but I didn't want another marriage.

In most eyes, that counts a big suck, a "why did this happen to me?" or a "What did I do to deserve this?"

To me, it was another test. I chose to quit my job to care for my body. My husband and I chose to get married right then. I chose to accept what happened, and accept my child, no matter what difficulty there may be. I chose to accept I could find another job in the lab field when I was ready to return to work.

Well, everything turned out fab, except the job. In 2009, there were no jobs in the laboratory field. Anywhere. I ended up getting an entry level job for a large insurance company, thinking it would help us until I could get back to the lab, thinking I would be bored senseless.

Now, I'm LOVING it - I'm working on projects, learning programming, and swiftly moving up - and soon will be making more than I did at the lab (which wasn't peanuts). I've found a new career I love - that is safer for me to boot (no longer around chemicals and toxins).

For Christians, this usually falls under the "god will provide". For me, it falls under the outcome of karmic choices, and the path I chose. I had a bad time, I made the best decisions, and I have a fantastic outcome. And a perfectly healthy child and marriage to boot

 

[I have WHAT in my yard?]

Good morning everyone!

It is a beautiful day here. Chilly and rainy! It's perfect. I am in my rocking chair (yes on the computer in a rocking chair.) With a cup of mocha all wrapped up in my bathrobe. The kids are still asleep and the dog is at my feet. The house is still and quiet. And I have my BYC friends to talk to.

I've missed you guys from the pagan thread!