I wondered why despite my good deeds, I had to undergo suffering till I understood the Karma Laws in the wisdom talks by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
“Karma means the strongest impression on the mind and the action it has propelled and the impression it will produce on the mind in the future.”
- Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
What is the benefit of knowing the laws of karma?
The whole universe is full of karma implies that every cell of the body or every particle of the universe is filled with actions. Everywhere there is dynamism. Actions don’t matter to us if they are good or bad. It matters to us for their consequences. You have to perform conscious actions so that their consequences are acceptable. In other words, knowing the laws of karma aids to -
Reduce the burden of bad impressions.
Remove sufferings in your present moment.
Bring positive changes in your future.
Uplift your spiritual journey.
What are the 12 laws of karma?
First Law
Karma is simply energy balance reflecting cause and effect.
Every moment of your life and everything happening around you is the effect of some past karma. Karma has not been put in place to punish humans. However, we cannot escape the consequences of our choices. Doing good deeds brings a positive outcome sooner or later.
Second Law
You have to get into action to reap fruits.
Simply sitting idle will not help. Miracles do happen. But you have to take the first step. If life is not as per your desires, it is time to introspect and narrow down the doable steps. Use your skills and strengths to create what you desire and benefit others.
Third Law
The past impressions have their consequences on the present.
Until the past impressions are on your mind, that karma manages to exist. You can remove the past impressions through meditation, pranayama and service. You get liberated from karma only when the impressions erase. When you come out of the ignorance that the mind is a part of you, but you are not your mind (that you are much more significant than your mind), then all karmas automatically dissolve.
Fourth Law
You can bring a change in the world if you first change yourself.
Grow in spirit and be the change. Once you have boarded the train, you do not worry if you will reach your destination or not. Continue the spiritual path with conviction and guide yourself through life's obstacles.
Fifth Law
This law instills the ownership of whatever is happening within and around you.
You are the result of the choices you make in life. There is no point in blaming others for your experiences. Accept responsibility for your responses.
Sixth Law
Past, present and future are consequential and interconnected.
Many times, we feel that some tasks performed today yielded no results. But that is not true. In the future, we realize that our past experiences have been advantageous to perform better. For instance, listening to Gurudev’s wisdom series in the past has made it easier for me to write blogs now. Little had I known in the past that these wisdom sessions would be beneficial in reinventing my career.
Seventh Law
Focus sharpens the mind and aids to excel in your tasks.
Multitasking is good if you pay attention to the progressive and positive attributes (wisdom, generosity, love, hope, patience). You must call it off if you happen to put attention on lust, anger, jealousy, greed, hatred, frustration and aggression.
Eighth Law
Your actions must be the reflection of your belief.
In short, we can say, ‘Walk the Talk’. If people around you can't feel happiness in your actions, then your belief in happiness needs external support. If you want happiness within yourself, create a happy environment for the people around you.
Ninth Law
Live in the present moment.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar beautifully demonstrates the passing of the present moment by snapping his fingers. At each finger snap, you can sense the present moment. A moment passed is never relived. See the past as your destiny, the future as your free will and enjoy the present moment to its fullest. The divine has presented you with the present moment.
Tenth Law
Life situations change only with effort.
People often complain that their problems don't seem to fade but only multiply. Break the vicious cycle of patterns of your past. Look out for opportunities where history is repeating itself. Take corrective steps and create a new future.
Eleventh Law
Patience pays.
With your consistent efforts, you can achieve your desired goals. Be sure of the path you are taking. Then don’t look back. Rejoicing the tiny milestones achieved in the journey strengthens your way up to conquer the big goals. Having patience frees you from feverishness and makes the journey joyful.
Twelfth Law
Unveil the purpose of life.
The purpose of uniqueness in us is to share and positively impact others. A singer is good at singing not only for themself but to bring calmness and happiness to others. This karmic law is good for inspiration to continue pursuing what they are good at doing. We can contribute to society in one way or the other.
Conclusion
Understanding the core principles of karma and implementing them in life can lead to a better version of you.
Reference link
13 Best quotes on Karma by Gurudev
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What is Karma? Describes Sukshma Karma (action at the subtle level) and Sthula Karma (action at the material level). Shows differentiation of karma created through impressions and karma not carrying any impressions.
Are relationships based on previous karma?
FAQs
There are three types of karma -
- Sanchita - latent actions
- Prarabdha - the action itself
- Agami - consequences of the present action
Yes, some karmas are erasable like an exit point on the freeway. You have to bear other karmic fruits. Cleansing the bad karmas becomes easy by balancing it with good karmas and meditation.
When you commit a sin, you realize that you made a mistake, you cannot relieve yourself of sin, but the Guru can definitely do it for you. So in that sense, yes! First, you got to put effort. Then only Guru can help you.
