Spiritual Practices

Understanding Karma

Spiritual Practice: As you sow, so shall you reap. Each thought and each act have their consequences. What is happening to you now is the result of past thoughts and actions. Rather than worrying about what is coming to you as a result of past actions, think in terms of acting and thinking rightly now so that your future will improve. You’ll have the added benefit of feeling good about the spiritual way you’re living now.

Spiritual Practice: When you’re tempted to lament your “fate" or “bad" karma, affirm: “I am not a puppet of the past. I am the ruler of my present moment and the designer of my destiny."

Spiritual Practice: If you’re experiencing the “negative" effects of karma, determine now to change your behavior and habits, both outer and inner, so that the future isn’t a repeat of what you’re experiencing now. If it’s ill health, decide what you can do to help improve your health in terms of exercise, diet, and possible treatments. If it’s financial, think positively, create a budget, watch your spending, seek better employment opportunities, etc. And so on. Focus on what you want, rather than your present situation, and take action accordingly.

Spiritual Practice: If you find yourself saying, “It must be my karma," you might as well be saying, “It must be my fate"—that is, set in stone. Nothing is set in stone, so you do yourself a disservice by giving in to karma that you don’t like. Instead, change your thoughts and actions, and create the karma or results you want. Have faith that you can create a better life, and call on God or the universe to help you with the process.