Copyright 2010 SOUL Research Institute
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bliss
UNDERSTANDING KARMA
(THE KEY TO FREEDOM)
In order to understand Karma, we have to first understand 'volition.'
Volition is simply the 'will to act.'
All mental phenomena involve volition. When volition combines with wholesome or unwholesome mental thoughts, it gives rise to either unwholesome mental action or wholesome mental action: the two types of volitional action. Imagine volition being water for a moment. Water is colorless. When you add blue or red color to it, it becomes blue or red water. Volitional action is like blue or red water.
When volition is combined with greed or hatred, it gives rise to unwholesome volitional action- a bad karma. When volition is combined with generosity or loving-kindness, it gives rise to wholesome volitional action- a good karma. In other words, karma is the good or bad volitional action. If you dont like the words 'good' or 'bad,' you can replace them with the words, 'wholesome' or 'unwholesome.'
As volitional actions occur they accumulate and form volitional patterns due to grasping or clinging by a person’s mind. These are known as volitional formations. For example, generous actions done over a period of time give rise to a formation of generosity. Loving and kind actions done over a period of time give rise to a formation of love and kindness.
Karma is primarily used in regard to volitional action, but also in regard to volitional formations.
Note that karma is not physical action but mental action. Just because you are not verbal (a physical action) about your hatred towards a competitor, this does not mean you are not generating bad karma. The mere thought of hatred is enough to generate it. Mental actions generate karma with or without the occurrence of subsequent physical actions. Therefore, being vigilant about the quality of mental actions (which always precede physical actions) is of utmost importance for those who want to avoid generating bad karma. Such a vigil is necessary because your karma determines the probability of the occurrence of good or bad life in future. This will become clear after you experience and understand the laws of karma.
The First Law of Karma:
"You reap what you sow."
A seed of mango can only generate a mango tree that bears sweet fruit. A seed of lemon can only generate a lemon tree that bears sour fruit. A seed of lemon cannot generate a mango tree. A seed of mango cannot generate a lemon tree.
We cannot perform unwholesome deeds, such as murder, theft, lying, and slander, and get away with them. Such actions will always lead us to misery and suffering, even if these outcomes might not be obvious or show up right away.
SOUL RESEARCH INSTITUTE NEWSLETTER, FEBRUARY 19, 2011
EVENTS AT S.R.I.
INSPIRATIONS
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Karma:
What goes around comes around
Unknown
"Life is a reflection of
intent (will).
"Love reflects love.
Hate reflects hate."
Jon Huie
"How people treat you is
their karma.
How you react
is your."
Wayne Dyer
"Real happiness of life is in
doing good karma:
the product of the will of kindness, generosity, and wisdom."
"A true leader is radient with good knowledge and
good karma."
Based on Rig Veda
Always available on amazon.com
All profits go to S.R.I.
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Similarly, we must not stop performing wholesome deeds, such as meditation, service, giving, reverence, and virtuosity, even if they do not produce immediate benefits. Good deeds will eventually lead us to happiness and peace although we might not feel those states right away. So do not stop being nice to someone although your kindness might not be reciprocated or you might be taken disadvantage of. Sooner or later, the benefits will come.
The first law of karma is about universe's perfect accountability of mental action. If you develop faith in it, it will automatically give rise to fear for wrongdoing and strong will for right doing.
Moreover, knowing that the universe runs on a perfect accounting system, you will be able to relinquish your desire to fight for justice or fairness. You will experience freedom in the midst of unbearable limitations and injustice. Your peace will become unshakable. You will no longer fight for justice. Instead you will serve the cause of justice. Your life will become purposeful, free of revange, victim mentality, and loss.
Soul Meditation Group
in Portland, OR
Starting in March, 2011 at the Beautiful Tualatin Community Hall at the Library (It has a fire place!)
Sam Adettiwar's book:
"The Elements of Soul"
A seed of mango generates a mango tree bearing many fruit and not just one fruit. Similarly, with lemon tree.
The Second Law of Karma:
"Good karma begets and augments the good. Bad karma begets and augments the bad."
You can’t say, “Let me be greedy just for few years, make some money for my kid’s education, and then I will stop and become generous” or, “Let me lie and cheat a bit for now and once this situation is over, I will become honest; after all I am doing it to help someone,” without repercussions. If you are greedy at this moment, you are bound to become greedier the following moment. What law of karma is trying to say is, “Change begins now, no matter what. If you cannot do it now, then most likely you will never do it because it is going to get increasingly difficult.”
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Check out the book, "The Elements of Soul" at your local library or at Amazon.com to read about the third and the fourth laws of karma and much much more.
Sunday Gatherings and Potluck
Feb 20, 11: Sam A. on Karma
Feb 27, 11: Mary Jo / Art Sanchez. Science presentation by Don A.
Come and go anytime as you likeNO FEES. JUST PRACTICE.
10.00-10.30am: Soul Yoga
10.30-11.00am: Soul Breathing
11.00-11.30am: Meditation
11.30-Noon: Questions/Answers, Presentations, Videos, etc.
Noon - 12.30pm: Potluck (Veg.)
12.30 - Whatever: Noble Discussion
Where: Fire Dept. Hall: 2490 Research Parkway, Briargate Area, Colorado Springs, CO
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Consultation on Yoga and Meditation Practice
Please reserve date and time asap. All consultations are confidential and cost-free. Donations are gladly accepted.
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