Practicing Positive Karma

Today, as we do every Tuesday, we observe the principle of the Law of Karma.

Karma is the principle of cause and effect. It is summarized simply by the proverb “As we sow, so shall we reap.” If we plant seeds of health, harmony, and abundance, we’ll ultimately receive these beneficial fruits. On the other hand, if we sow seeds of anger, greed, or fear, such will be our harvest.

Karma isn’t about being punished or destined to suffer endlessly, as many people mistakenly believe. Instead, the law of karma offers us complete freedom, for we are the ones creating the results we experience. Some mysterious force or capricious god isn’t in charge, arbitrarily meting out rewards and hardship. If we don’t like the results we’re having, we are free to make different decisions.

Here are three ways the Dalai Lama suggests practicing good karma in life:

• Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
• When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
• Follow the three R’s: respect for self, respect for others and responsibility for all your actions.

The Law of Karma

At Serenity Spa/ Soul Yoga, we embrace the principles taught by Dr. Deepak Chopra in his hatha yoga style called The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga. 

Each day of the week, we focus on a specific principle to guide our thoughts and actions for the day.

Tuesday's principle is the Law of Karma.

Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind . . . what we sow is what we reap. And when we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is happiness and success.

You can put the Law of Karma into effect by making a commitment to take the following steps:

1. Today I will witness the choices I make in each moment. And in the mere witnessing of these choices, I will bring them to my conscious awareness. I will know that the best way to prepare for any moment in the future is to be fully conscious in the present.

2. Whenever I make a choice, I will ask myself two questions: “What are the consequences of this choice that I’m making?” and “Will this choice bring fulfillment and happiness to me and also to those who are affected by this choice?”

3. I will then ask my heart for guidance and be guided by its message of comfort or discomfort. If the choice feels comfortable, I will plunge ahead with abandon. If the choice feels uncomfortable, I will pause and see the consequences of my action with my inner vision. This guidance will enable me to make spontaneously correct choices for myself and for all those around me.