What Is Karma?
Life can take unprecedented turns at times, making us wonder what could have triggered certain instances. Out of the blue, circumstances occur and humans are dumbfounded by the intensity of the situation and are made to question their actions and deeds in life. It makes humans wonder 'was it Karma'? If so, 'How does Karma work?'.
The literal definition of Karma varies in meaning, depending on the Eastern and Western schools of thought. The former’s interpretive frame refers that 'conscious beings determine their destinies through the quality of their acts'. While the latter refers to it as simply 'good' or 'bad'.
Primarily, however, Karma is associated with Hinduism and Buddhism and the belief system of rebirth and reincarnation.
Karma could be utilized as a life philosophy for sending out goodness into the world and the broader universe. It could also be a life lesson for keeping to good deeds while refraining from the bad ones.
Moreover, if you have ever wondered what are the laws of karma that support its functionality, you are about to find out.
What Are The 12 Laws Of Karma?
The laws of karma refer to a universal set of rules that can be guidelines towards living a mentally, physically, and emotionally fulfilling life. These can act as incentives as well as motivational factors towards making mindful decisions and taking thoughtful action.
Here are the 12 Laws of Karma to help you through life.
- The Great Law
The great law works by 'as you sow, so shall you reap'. This first law of Karma holds that everything in this universe is energy and that the law of causality, that of cause and effect, is in constant play.
Varying slightly from the concept of good and bad, this karmic law provides a life principle for fostering the positive while avoiding the negative. Moreover, in personal undertakings, this law of karma holds the individual responsible for sending out good and valuable thoughts into the universe. The reasons being;
- It comes back to the source (i.e this individual) in one way or the other
- It stays as the energy around the individual, thus affecting many other people and their circle of karmic energy
This very law of Karma forms an explanation for the individual and helps the individual towards the realization of a specific goal in life.
- The Law of Creation
This law of Karma, the law of creation, refers to taking action and making things happen. Thus, rather than sitting idly by for miracles to happen, one must take sufficient action which in turn yields results. Because let’s face it __ results are not going to achieve themselves unless the individual, with all his skills and capabilities, battles through the hurdles.
When you think of your goals as the ultimate to achieve in the material world, supported by the great law, it comes back to you in unparalleled ways. For example, if you believe that you can make an impact and you work hard for it, the law holds that you will achieve results. However much time it may take, you will certainly bear the fruit of your actions.
One’s conceptual constructions work towards action, which in turn, paired with effort, helps ‘create’. Whether it be material things, a positive thought, or an act, the law of creation works in a karmic order.
“Open your mind to the infinite possibilities that exist for you. Born through your dreams, crystallized into form by your desires, given impetus by your expectations, then made real through your beliefs". _ Steven Redhead
- The Law of Growth
The third law of Karma preaches that growth starts from the self, which is the source of all internal energy of an individual's aura. To grow in all aspects, one must take action to change and improve upon what appears to be in control of the individual's capabilities. Moreover, one must also learn to accept that things that are not in control must not be fought with.
The manifestation of the law of growth in the karmic sense teaches that what one has the potential to do, must do, while he/she must not focus much on things that are not in control. With intention, awareness, and consistency, a person can grow to unlimited potential while also helping others grow.
- The Law of Responsibility
This law of Karma teaches that whatever an individual does, and whatever happens to the individual, is his/her responsibility. It does not necessarily mean everything that happens in the surrounding. This law holds that one must try to look for problems and solutions both in self, rather than trying to blame an external factor.
“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions”
Stephen Covey
- The Law of Humility
For an individual to be successful across all aspects, it is important to accept life at its face value. It is crucial to understand that the reality of life is as it is, not as it was in the past or as you wish it to be. However, if you wish for circumstances to be better, then you must take responsibility and make things better.
- The Law of Giving and Hospitality
This law of Karma is the depiction of ‘practice what you preach’. When, following the laws of karma, you think positive thoughts and send out good energy, you must also follow its practical path. The manifestation of your thoughts is put to test here.
If you are inclined towards bringing peace, you must also work for it. If you believe in harmony, you must take action to ensure it. Moreover, practice giving back what you have been given because it demonstrates that you are around to make an impact.
- The Law of Here and Now
This law holds that learning from the past is essential to an extent that it keeps you from repeating the same mistakes. However, it teaches that one must avoid dwelling in the past, the mistakes and the circumstances alike. An individual, through the course of life, must not remain a prisoner to the past.
The law of here and now is all about embracing the sense of what’s in the present and moving forward.
- The Law of Change
As it is made clear by the seventh law of Karma, the Law of Change suggests that the past keeps repeating in a vicious cycle. However, through this law, one can put a stop to the turn of events.
The power of change, whether it is habits or mistakes, can help create new and better paths. The key is to accept what prevails in reality and follow newer patterns effectively.
- The Law of Connection
This law states that Karma does not function on its own. It is your past decisions that form your present, and your present decisions that are bound to form your future. Thus, it is essential that one learns from the past and prepares for the future through decisions and actions that can prove to be beneficial.
- The Law of Focus
Concentration is the key to achieve maximum results. The mind is not wired to multitask, it is made to focus. And the law of focus states that one must take up one task at a time to yield better outcomes.
In terms of Karma's great law, the law of focus intends to preach that one must practice higher values of love, peace, and mindfulness. These values help avoid disturbing feelings such as anger, resentment, and greed.
- The Law of Patience and Reward
No one is served success or a satisfying life on a plate. Individuals are required to work towards whatever they wish to achieve and remain patient and consistent in their struggles.
This law of karma is one of the most important ones as it teaches an essential way to spend life.
Working towards a goal does not guarantee immediate results. Rather, it is the consistency and maximum productivity in achieving milestones that ensure success in the long run.
- The Law of Significance and Inspiration
Humans as beings of mind must aspire to inspire. This karmic law teaches that every individual is bestowed with unique capabilities. However, more than personal benefit, these capabilities must be utilized towards achieving the greater good.
One must contribute to the community and the world at large because there is a purpose that follows every person.
The Karmic Experience
The laws of Karma discussed above can help maintain a productive and successful life across all aspects. Life is not meaningless; it contains a purpose and a meaning for whatever actions you carry out. Thus, make sure your actions benefit you and those around you.
