Good morning peeps

I saw something on IG that made me do a little bit of research and hence we are here:

What exactly is karma?
The true definition of karma can vary depending on who you ask. Some people adhere to the traditional meaning grounded in Eastern religions, while others interpret it from more of a Western view of good and bad. As a result, this can lead to different views on how karma applies to life.

For example, the Georgetown University Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs says karma is the Hindu view of causality in which good thoughts, deeds, and words, may lead to beneficial effects, while bad thoughts, deeds, and words, may lead to harmful effects.

Some others see Karma in relation to actions and not results:

According to Dr. Jennifer Rhodes, a licensed psychologist, karma is simply those situations or interactions that help us navigate our path toward our higher purpose. “We are often easily distracted and miss messages which make us believe we have a lot of ‘bad’ karma. But those situations are simply signs for us to course-correct and move forward toward our higher purpose,” Rhodes explains. “The journey is not about being perfect, it’s about undoing what is not us and becoming who we really are,” she adds.

Tejal Patel, a meditation and mindfulness expert, says “Karma is a philosophy of how to live our lives so we can truly become the best version of ourselves and live the most fulfilling life we desire,” she says. And since the future isn’t set in stone, Patel says we can change the path of our life by the choices, thoughts, and deeds we choose right now.


What are the 12 Laws of Karma?

1. The great law or the law of cause and effect: According to this law, whatever thoughts or energy you put out, you get back — good or bad. In order to get what you want, you have to embody and be worthy of those things. It’s the concept of what you reap, you sow. For example, if you want love in your life, be loving to yourself. (On point)

2. The law of creation: The law of creation underscores the importance that life doesn’t just happen to us. To make things happen in your life, you need to take action, instead of waiting for something to magically come your way. Also consider how you can use your skills, talents, and strengths to create something that not only benefits you but others, too. "You are the co-creator of making what you want, based on your intentions,” Patel says. (100%)

3. The law of humility: According to Paul Harrison, creator of The Daily Meditation, the law of humility is based on the principle that you must be humble enough to accept that your current reality is the result of your past actions. For example, if you’re blaming your colleagues for your poor performance at work, Harrison says you must accept that you created this reality by not performing as well as you could have. (Set awon: 'They failed me' )

4. The law of growth: Growth starts within us. To positively shape the world, you need to start with yourself. That’s because real change or personal growth begins with what you have control over, which is yourself, not others. The law of growth also looks at the things you can’t control and how you deal with accepting this fate. Ultimately, your focus should be on you, not trying to control the people or things around you. (Part of maturity is knowing you can only control your actions and reactions to the actions of others. No more, no less)

5. The law of responsibility: Alex Tran, a yoga instructor based in Seattle, Washington, says the law of responsibility is her favorite law to teach in class. “It’s a reminder that you own what happens to you in life. It’s a great reminder that what happens to you is because of you. This eliminates the opportunity for you to look outward to find the cause of your problems,” Tran explains. She likes to use this to describe the karma law of responsibility: “You are the product of the choices you make.” (This is a constant)

6. The law of connection: This law is based on the principle that everything in your life, including your past, present, and future, are connected. “Who you are today is the result of your previous actions,” Harrisons says. And who you will be tomorrow will be the result of your actions today. (Where are the 'don't judge me by my past geng'?)

7. The law of focus: Focusing on too many things at once can slow you down and lead to frustration and negativity. That’s why the law of focus encourages you to concentrate on one thing at a time. “If you focus on higher values like love and peace, then you’re less likely to be distracted by heavy feelings of resentment, greed, or anger,” Patel says. (Multitasking gurus, where art thou?)

8. The law of giving and hospitality: You must give to the things you believe in. This law helps you understand the importance of your actions, reflecting your deeper beliefs. For example, if you want to live in a peaceful world, you need to focus on cultivating peace for others, Harrison explains. (Where your treasure is, your heart would be).

9. The law of here and now: To experience peace of mind, you have to embrace the present. This can only happen when you let go of negative thoughts or behaviors from your past. If you get too focused on past events, you’ll keep reliving them. One exercise Patel recommends to get in touch with the here and now is to get rooted into your senses. “Look around the room you are in, focus your eyes on something, blink, and say ‘I am here,’” she says. (Very key/ To live a full life, you need to be present each step of the way)

10. The law of change: According to this principle, history will continue to repeat itself until you learn from the experience and take steps to do something differently to stop the cycle. Change gives you a new path so that you can create a new future and a better version of yourself, free from the patterns of the past. (Surely not the APC type)

11. The law of patience and reward: To generate change in the future, Harrison says we must be consistent in our karmic deeds today. “It’s no good living healthily for one day and then sabotaging it in the next,” he says. Be consistent in your goals, and they will come to fruition. (Awon healthy eating for a day, cheating six days of the week peeps. On a serious note, Naija can discourage someone who is not grounded)

12. The law of significance and inspiration: We all play a part and have something to contribute to this world. What we share may sometimes seem small to us but can make an enormous difference in someone else’s life. Patel says the law of significance and inspiration is a great law to focus on when you need a motivational boost or begin to feel like you don’t have a purpose or matter. According to this law, every contribution you make will affect the world. You have been born with a specific gift, mission, and purpose that only you can bring into the world with your uniqueness. Authentically sharing your skills and gifts is why you’re here. (100% co-sign. Find YOUR purpose and deliver on it. This is very key as a Christian which emphasizes more on roles than positions)

In Summary:
The 12 laws of karma can serve as a guideline or road map to follow as you go through your daily life. These laws can help you understand how karma really works, and the effect that your thoughts and actions can have on you and the world around you.

Using karma as a set of guidelines in your life can incentivize you to be more mindful of your thoughts, actions, and deeds before you make a decision.

Reference:
https://www.healthline.com/health/laws-of-karma#cause-and-effect



Which of the laws have you seen applicable in your life? Which of the laws do you disagree with? Which of the laws are you just learning about?

Great piece that needs to be read over and over again, then slowly digested one at a time.

Although, concerning The law of responsibility, I don't completely agree with Alex Tran in the part where she said It’s a great reminder that what happens to you is because of you. which isn't totally true.
About the ones that I connect with, I'll keep those to myself.

Me Sha know say Professor Karma no get arms or legs but it's damn real.

Just like boomerang

Law 13 - Okafor’s law

The law of here and now resonates with me. A while back I stumbled on Eckhart Tolle’s book ‘the power of now’, I also read his other books ‘stillness speaks’ and ‘a new earth’.

One way to be in the here and now is to pay attention to the mind chattering. Listening to the voice in the head.

Focusing too much on the past brings regret, focusing too much on the future brings anxiety. The present is a gift, the reason it’s called the present.

.
Karma is what the poor and the oppressed use to console themselves.

OP, thanks for the post. But let me just play devil's advocate here in regards to law 5(law of responsibility). Let me use this illustration that many Nigerians can relate with: Let's assume a gallant and brave Nigerian soldier is taken to the battle-field to face the terrorists and he does all a good soldier should but consequently gets battered and deformed. So the question is; is he responsible for his past action(for joining the NA,for obeying his commander,.....)? OP, over to you or you ask Alex Tran

dreofGod:
OP, thanks for the post. But let me just play devil's advocate here in regards to law 5(law of responsibility). Let me use this illustration that many Nigerians can relate with: Let's assume a gallant and brave Nigerian soldier is taken to the battle-field to face the terrorists and he does all a good soldier should but consequently gets battered and deformed. So the question is; is he responsible for his past action(for joining the NA,for obeying his commander,.....)? OP, over to you or you ask Alex Tran

he should take responsibility and own it , he went for battle , either to injure or be injured, shoot or be shot at , kill or be killed , take captives or be captured , its the rules of the book , if this all -good solider gets captured and begin to regret all his previous sucesses , it dosnt seem he was an all round solider to begin with.

MIA on my own thread

mariahAngel:


1. Great piece that needs to be read over and over again, then slowly digested one at a time.

2. Although, concerning The law of responsibility, I don't completely agree with Alex Tran in the part where she said It’s a great reminder that what happens to you is because of you. which isn't totally true.

3. About the ones that I connect with, I'll keep those to myself.

1. Thanks

2. Some things are truly outside our control

3.

helinues:
Me Sha know say Professor Karma no get arms or legs but it's damn real.

Just like boomerang

eazzzy1:
Law 13 - Okafor’s law

The law of here and now resonates with me. A while back I stumbled on Eckhart Tolle’s book ‘the power of now’, I also read his other books ‘stillness speaks’ and ‘a new earth’.

One way to be in the here and now is to pay attention to the mind chattering. Listening to the voice in the head.

Focusing too much on the past brings regret, focusing too much on the future brings anxiety. The present is a gift, the reason it’s called the present.

@bold: very true

Matheusmartin:
.
Karma is what the poor and the oppressed use to console themselves.

You think so?

dreofGod:
OP, thanks for the post. But let me just play devil's advocate here in regards to law 5(law of responsibility). Let me use this illustration that many Nigerians can relate with: Let's assume a gallant and brave Nigerian soldier is taken to the battle-field to face the terrorists and he does all a good soldier should but consequently gets battered and deformed. So the question is; is he responsible for his past action(for joining the NA,for obeying his commander,.....)? OP, over to you or you ask Alex Tran

Very choice has consequences now or in the future. Also every choice has an opportunity cost. When a man decides to become a soldier, then he must embrace the hazards and perks of the job. Part of the hazards is death or injury at the battlefield.

However, there are some people's actions would affect us in ways we have no control. For instance, a trailer loses its brakes and hits the vehicle in front of him; the Medical Director procures fake drugs which kills a patient etc. etc. At this instance, it is outside your circle of control.

TheSourcerer:
he should take responsibility and own it , he went for battle , either to injure or be injured, shoot or be shot at , kill or be killed , take captives or be captured , its the rules of the book , if this all -good solider gets captured and begin to regret all his previous sucesses , it dosnt seem he was an all round solider to begin with.

This answers Dre's question.

[quote author=bukatyne post=107089570]


2. Some things are truly outside our control
However, there are some people's actions would affect us in ways we have no control. For instance, a trailer loses its brakes and hits the vehicle in front of him; the Medical Director procures fake drugs which kills a patient etc. etc. At this instance, it is outside your circle of control.
These are exactly my point. I didn't insert this in my comment but my angle is- a gallant soldier with obsolete weapon against the terrorists high-technology weapons.....