Karma

Recently David was given a TON of clothes and shoes. The ones he couldn't wear I could have easily sold since they were name brand and in good condition, but that wouldn't be right. I paid it forward and gave the clothes he couldn't wear to another little boy in David's class. Why would it have mattered? I believe in karma and I believe in God. You can't take someones good deed and profit from it, then their deed was done in vain.

I have the best friends, they listen to me when I talk, they have bailed me out of some sticky situations and I hope they would agree that I return the favor.

One situation in particular was a few weeks ago, I was ill and needed to head to the Urgent Care for a breathing treatment. Ended up in an oxygen tent for an hour, breathing treatments and a chest X-Ray, asthma isn't fun. But, David's baby-sitter, who happens to be a teenager, took David with only 15 minutes notice. Would anyone else do that? He has set himself up to have great Karma, even if he doesn't think so now. That deed will be paid back to him, if not by me, someone else.

What is Karma?

Karma means "deed" or "Act" more commonly thought of as "Cause and Effect" Our good deed (cause) sets us up for receiving another good dead/reward (effect). A more familiar saying would be "What goes around comes around."

Christianity has teachings of Karma.

Galatians 6:8-10

8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Job 4:8

As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.

Have you heard the Golden Rule? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Matthew 7:12

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Hinduism says we get karma through 4 different ways.

#1 Thoughts

#2 Words

#3 Actions that we perform ourselves

#4 Actions others do as instructed by ourselves

Buddhism says that any action is understood to create "seeds" in the mind that will sprout into the appropriate result, when they meet with the right conditions. This helps us find the ultimate Nirvana.

Jainism says karma aka karmic dirt, is very subtle and microscopic particles that are present through out the entire universe. Karma's are attracted to the karmic field of your soul by vibrations that are created by the activities of your mind, your speech and your body as well as your various mental views. Hence the karma's are the more subtle matter surrounding the consciousness of a soul. When these two components (consciousness and karma) interact, we experience the life in the present.

If so many of the world's major religions teach good deeds, why are we so inapt to only think of ourselves in time of need?

My thoughts: If you see someone who needs help, HELP them. We are here to love one another, so do it. If this just means listening to a friend for hours about one topic, or comforting another one who is in turmoil. We have to live with each other, so why not make if worth while?