Karma

To him who has the means and refuses the needy, God says: "Bear in mind, fortune is a wheel." Talmud

According to Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, we produce Karma in four ways:
through thoughts
through words
through actions that we perform ourselves
through actions others do under our instructions

When I was growing up in the fifties I never heard the word karma. In the sixties you were a hippie if you used the word karma and today it a daily part of our vocabulary. What is karma? Essentially, karma is the core of our being. It is what we emit from our souls, hearts and minds. It is how we act toward ourselves and others. It is how we teach and what models we set for others to emulate. Karma is what I speak throughout my day. I am either speaking good or bad karma as my speech is a reflection of my karma.

In this particular case, I am using karma to reflect the notion that what goes around comes around. I am specifically referring to how I treat those in need. When my karma is soaring, I am open to giving to and receiving from all those I cross paths with. When my karma is declining I am unable to see and seize the opportunities to do for others and I am running on empty at those times.

 

I ran on empty for many years while engulfed in my various addictions. I may have given, but I always was seeking something in return. Everything was conditional; the art of the deal. If you got, I got more or you would not get. Finding recovery exposed me to a new way of life. I now was befriended by people who gave to me seeking nothing in return yet getting more than I could ever give them. It took me a while to comprehend this and integrate into my "karma."

Today, as a Rabbi and Spiritual Counselor, "karma" is an integral component of my treatment plan working with addicts and non addicts. It is part of my spiritual work with people of faith when engaged in life cycle events or counseling sessions.

 

I have a moral and ethical responsibility to help those in need. This is an enormous responsibility, but is one that I must undertake if I am to grow in a spiritual way or to develop good karma. When I have good karma and am helping others, I am in a serene and peaceful state. Just as I need you to help me, I am needed to help others. No is an unacceptable response to a person in need, even when it means that I may go without something. I must find my core and know that it includes unconditional giving when asked. When my karma is open to hearing and giving, it is easy and joyous.

My prayer for you today is that you locate your karma and commence the joyous journey to finding ways to give of yourself and change the world with your karma.