Karma

the principle of cause and effect, wherein individuals' intent and actions (cause) influence their future (effect)

The concept of Karma is not just the cosmic fairness police (thinking Karma will catch up to those who act poorly). In Sanskrit, the word karma translates to “action” or “work” and is derived from the root verb kri which means “to act”. This idea of karma can refer to all the actions a person makes, both with their body and in their mind. All activity creates karma. Karma can also refer to the spiritual concept of cause and effect, whereby the actions of an individual create their own future.

Although all actions create karma, it is believed that the intention behind the action also affects the karma. Thus, actions which are unintentional, or without bad intent, do not have the same karmic influence and may be considered karmically neutral.

Written in the Bhagavad Gita, Karma Yoga is described as the yoga of action which is distinct from the result or outcome of those actions. This relates to the idea that our action and intention are the important part, the outcome not so much. The situation you find yourself in defines which appropriate actions to be done at that time. You do those appropriate actions from is a place of ease/stability inside your being. Because of those actions, the outcomes happen but the lesson is not to be attached to the outcome (how other might view us, our own ideas of what we should be or have). From this perspective, all things are a result of our intention + action and outcomes grow as a result (not the main goal).

This concept has been brewing in my mind these days. I can be very goal/outcome oriented. I want my hard work and effort to have the desired results…often life has different plans. So in this moment, I choose to act with good intentions, to be present and clear, to be mindful of my mental habit patterns and biases, and to let go of the need to control the outcome. (Wish me luck on this one ;).