Seeing Things

Simplified definitions of Karma include 'what goes around comes around' and 'jaisi karni, waisi bharni' (meaning: as you sow, so you reap) We love stories that illustrate Karma. Such as stories about someone who cheats his brother to gain sole ownership of a huge business empire only to eventually end up a leper in some incognito alley or a story about the helpless old father who is abandoned by his kids but after a few years of suffering, suddenly chances upon fame and success and thereupon gets the opportunity to ignore his kids in return OR better still be the magnanimous forgiver. This idea of there being a system in place, of cosmic justice seems to makes sense but does it also reflect on fact? Often, when we encounter news of terrible tragedy befalling individuals, families or countries, I hear people exclaim "why them?!! they don't deserve this." I also notice that this does not lead to them questioning the concept of Karma. They are content ...

Life comes with its sets of ups and downs. For example I am listening to sexy Cohen ( Dance me to the end of love ) right now. But, for some reason, the left ear of my head phone is defective. So I am hearing the serenade through just one ear and its diluting the experience a bit. See? Ups and down to the same situation right there! (and in case you are worried...my left ear is fine. I checked. It IS the headphone thats defective) So, the learning that's working for me these days is that you need to always celebrate your blessings while accepting your share of the 'downs' gracefully. And also that you must not get carried away by either happiness or sorrow. Because they follow each other in an eternal cycle. Nothing is forever except this circle. I just look at every situation under the "control" lens. (An old friend told me about this many years ago, but I am truely being able to put it in practice only now) Either things are in your control or they are not. If t...