Friday, March 6, 2009

Buddhist practice: the laws of karma 3.

I have now completed 3 of the 18 available courses in Buddhism through ACI. In 2 of these 3, the laws of karma have been discussed and laid out. Additionally, I have read several Buddhist library books that have referred to the subject of karma. Naturally this has led to a changed perception and observed experience of the karmic law.

The basic laws of karma (perhaps not in order or official wording) are:
* If you do good, good will happen to you ad if you do bad, bad will happen to you.
* Whatever you do, will be repaid with a greater effect.
* If you have done it, it will be repaid to you.
* If you didn't do it, you cannot experience the result.

Getting back to the event of being woken by a buzzing mozzie, in the past I knew that I had no respect for insects and mistreated them terribly to be rid of their annoying presence.

* My 'bad' actions had to offer 'bad' results.
* I had harmed many bugs, just to be free of their 'pestiness'. Therefore I should expect to be troubled by many insects as a result of my previous ignorance and disrespect.
* I had harmed many bugs, so many bugs would harm me - this should be expected, accepted, and tolerated - as this is the path to release. (Were I to react in badness again, more badness would come my way - but to accept it as karmic law would release me from future problems.)
* I had done it, so this rule did not apply.

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