I am really not sure what I think about this question.
I certainly don't believe in destiny, kismet, fate, call it what you will ... even though many eventful happenings in my life have been attributed to that amorphous, yet comforting, idea.
But the concept of karma ... or what goes around, comes around has always intrigued me.
It disturbs me because it trivializes the notion of doing good for good's sake -- making it more of an undertaking for fear of retribution.
Karma is a bitch, say people, when they see a tyrant die a painful, slow death. Or when a miser's children are killed in a car crash.
We like to think there is some power in the cosmos keeping tabs on our daily activities, an account of all our wrongdoings that will eventually catch up with us in some form or the other: loss of loved ones, cancer, loneliness, etcetera.
But then why do rapists, murderers, corrupt public officials with whom the law enforcement or justice systems haven't caught up, not suffer? Why do we see those who squash, plunder, and ravage other people's dreams and lives thriving in an abundance of health and wealth?
Some say it's because they face a bigger judgment day. Convenient, eh?
They don't know that. No one does.
It's just something we've invented to keep societies form getting out of control. You see a bad person not getting his due in this life and you pacify yourself with the "knowledge" that someone up there is watching ... That the Supreme Power will make him pay one day.
What about paying for your "sins" here and now? I don't see that happening with 100 percent accuracy ... Or even 50 percent of the time.
Just because someone has been a law abiding, generous, upstanding citizen and a compassionate, loving human being, doesn't mean that person won't die of pancreatic cancer.
And conversely just because someone has been corrupt all his life, doesn't mean he will "get what he deserves."
That's just not what happens.
And yet, there's some romance in the idea ... A sense of optimism and hope ... That we will reap what we sow.
So, my readers, what's your verdict?
Mansi asks: do you believe what goes around comes around?
Chime in.
Also posted on my blog.
5 comments:
Hmmm...perhaps if we viewed the question differently. What we do to one, we do to all. Or if we thought of it this way...what we do to others is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves.
I think it's a big picture wheel. What goes around does come around, just not necessarily in our little earthly understanding of time or in our little earthly understanding of how it should all pan out. I mean, who wouldn't love to see that nasty bully have her head flushed down the toilet, right? But chances are, it ain't going to happen in a hurry.
In fact, I think the coming around of what is dished doesn't even necessarily happen in this lifetime, which opens the big 'reincarnation' can of worms...
So I guess the question is, "Do you have to witness karma in action or is it enough to just believe that the universe is unfolding as it should and that all things, eventually, find balance?"
Hmmmm... nice to ponder.
Nadine
PS:
Can I play? I'm an aspiring writer who is currently a little distracted by her two babies, but is still very keen to hone her skills and keep the creative juices flowing. I am at www.nadineneumann.com.au where you'll find info about my writing (and other activities), a link to my blog and my contact email.
Come visit! I'd love to contribute!
Not at all. It's all chance and happenstance. There is no law of retribution governing our actions. There's an Hasidic saying: "There's no way to explain the suffering of the innocent or the prosperity of the wicked." An unhappy truth, but there it is.
Very thought provoking, I believe in Karma ! Not as a universal law but as an ethical belief that I find keeps hope in one’s life, that living the righteous life will be in the end acknowledged and not be in vain.
Hi Kathrine,
I'd like to contribute to Writers Rising. It seems like you have a wonderful group here! My e-mail address is vmrs.moment@gmail.com and I blog over at MrsMoment.blogspot.com.
Blisses!
Kat
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