Is Karma Real? A Beginner’s Guide
Karma. We’ve all heard of it, but do we truly understand it? In the West, we see karma as a kind of cosmic justice system or the consequence of an action. Think, if you do good, then good things will happen and if you do bad, then bad things will happen. The word is usually thrown around a lot when someone wrongs us and we need consoling.
But, this isn’t the real meaning of karma, at least not in Buddhism. When you really understand what karma is, it can be a useful tool for your personal development. So, keep reading to discover if karma is real, its true meaning, and how to create good karma.
What exactly is Karma?
Karma literally means “action” in Sanskrit and refers to a cycle of cause and effect. It’s an integral part of many Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. In this article, however, we are solely focusing on the Buddhist teachings of karma.
Did you know Buddhism is a branch of Hinduism? Twenty-six centuries ago, Siddhartha Gautama (a.k.a Buddha) learned from Hindu teachers on his quest for enlightenment. Taking what he discovered, he developed new philosophies, which is how Buddhism was born.
In the West, we think of karma as a consequence only. For example, a person might think, “one year ago I stole some money and that’s why today I’ve lost my job”.
Whereas in Buddhism, karma is a continuous cycle of actions and their outcomes. According to Zen Buddhist teachers, cause and effect are one thing. And what is that one thing? You! That’s why what you do and what happens to you are the same thing.
What does this mean exactly? Well, our karma is a cycle that we directly control with our thoughts, feelings, and actions. So, if a negative thought led you to make a negative decision, the chances are that the consequence will also be negative. Not because you are being “punished” or “deserve” it. Simply, negative outcomes are the natural consequence of negative actions, and the same with good ones.
Take our imaginary friend who stole some money, this was a negative thought that turned into a negative action. As stealing is wrong, they will likely feel anxious about getting caught and feel stressed for some time. These feelings of anxiety and stress are the direct outcome of their action. This is karma.
As for losing their job, this had nothing to do with them stealing the money. Instead, they are probably trapped in a cycle of negative thinking patterns that affect their decisions, which result in more negative outcomes.
Karma is an energy
Karma isn’t fate, nor is it a punishment and reward scheme. Karma is an energy that we create by our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. So, think of karma as something ongoing that we create in every single second of our lives. This means karma isn’t set in stone. You can change your karma by changing how you think.
Examples of good and bad karma
It can be a bit of a headspin, that’s for sure. Check out these examples to help deepen your understanding. Good karma would include:
- Action: volunteering at your local homeless shelter.
Outcome: improving your community, which benefits you.
- Action: forgiving someone when they apologize.
Outcome: strengthening your compassion, emotional intelligence, and overall personal growth.
- Action: treating your loved ones with love, respect, and honesty.
Outcome: having fulfilling and long-lasting relationships.
And, of course, there’s never any good without some bad. Here are three examples of bad karma:
- Action: going over the speed limit.
Outcome: receiving a hefty fine.
- Action: cheating on your partner.
Outcome: damaging your interpersonal relationships and reputation.
- Action: cheating on a test.
Outcome: compromising your integrity and self-respect.
As you can see, karma isn’t about doing a good deed with the hope that something good will happen to you in return. Nor is it about being punished for your wrongdoings. Instead, your karma is both your actions and their outcomes as one.
So, is karma real?
As we’ve established, karma isn’t a cosmic justice system or the doings of a divine higher power. Karma is a deeply personal part of your spiritual psychology that your thoughts, feelings, and actions control. According to psychologists, karma is the idea that your own behaviors and actions lead you to experience the world in a certain way. So, yes, karma is 100% real and you are in control of it.
How to create good karma?
Good karma begins with a positive mind. If you struggle with negative thoughts or perceptions of yourself and others, this is something you should try to work on. Remember, your karma is down to you and something you create every day. To have better karma and improve your experience of the world, you should:
- Love and forgive yourself.
- Love and forgive others.
- Practice kindness and compassion for yourself and others.
- Show gratitude daily.
- Focus on good intentions.
- Replace judgemental or negative thoughts with positive ones.
- Reflect on your thoughts and actions.
- Abide by the law and your own moral code.
- Do what you can to help others.
- Allow yourself and others to make mistakes.
Practice is key here, you won’t transform your thoughts or feelings overnight, and that’s totally okay!
Understanding karma
Creating good karma isn’t about doing good deeds just to get something in return. By having positive thoughts and experiences, you will have a happier and less complicated life. As will those who are around you. That doesn’t mean that nothing bad will ever happen to you again. However, you can improve the outcome of your actions and thoughts. By understanding karma, you can deepen your self-awareness, boost your happiness, and strengthen your relationships.
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