The Origins of the word karma seem to be from the Buddhist
tradition. It is
used as what I would call a carrot and stick approach to leading a
person to
enlightenment. Since the basic reason given for cultivating a
heart of
compassion understanding and oneness with all life is to build up
good Karma
so a better life can be lived in subsequent lifetimes. The truth
is though
that by following this wisdom the ultimate result is
enlightenment.
I think that this is what most people think the word means. A sort
of Groundhog Day of subsequent re-incarnations until a particular
lesson is learned and you move to the next step.
There is a level at which this interpreation of the word is correct.
I have a saying hanging above my desk which is attributed to the
Buddha
(circa 80 B.C.) "When a man's mind becomes pure, his surroundings
will also
become pure." I find this a beautiful statement of karmic
principals. I also
see these principals related in J's statement "As a man thinketh
in his
heart, so is he." I Also see it in the statement "Judge not lest
you be
judged with the same measure". I also see it in the statements of
A&P when
they revealed that spiritual development is carried forward from
lifetime to
lifetime until liberation is achieved.
I think in DU it was pointed out another interpretation is that it
means "what you so you shall reap"
That is if you do bad shit to people then you will have an
experience where someone does bad stuff to you. Or if you hurt
someone in this lifetime you get to come back and play the role of
the character you hurt. On the other hand if you behave with
kindness and compassion you get to avoid unpleasant reincarnations
and have easier ones.
There is also a level at which this interpration of the word is true.
From the perspective of ACIM we know that as we cultivate our link
to true
mind thru communication with the HS and J we become more in tune
with
reality and less affected by ego projections. This leads a peace
and calm
which the ego can not affect. Even if the body is killed as J
demonstrated
so long ago and A&P explained in DU.
ACIM teaches that there is nothing "out there". What you are
experiencing is a dream. If it seems you go from "lifetime"
to "lifetime" this is still in the dream.
There is no HERE. Nothing is happening. There are no bad characters
doing anything bad to you. You are spirit.
The Course is the way out. (or the way "home")
