Random Thoughts on Karma

Preamble: I wrote this piece on the call given by a literary group on Facebook to write on "Karma". These are random thoughts that came to mind. Although the concept has been used by vested interests to have control over the lives of the majority who live in poverty and penury (suggesting they deserved the pain/adverse circumstances they experienced) , it can be employed positively too to lead a life of righteousness and kindness since the very concept suggests that "we reap what we sow" whether immediately in this life or the lives to follow. As there were word restrictions imposed by the literary group, this was written very briefly.

The concept of ‘Karma’ is associated with Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. On broad lines, it is about reaping what you sow. You pay the price or get paid for your actions whether good or bad in the same coin. In a way, the concept of ‘Karma’ deterred people from doing evil for fear of having to bear the consequences. On the other hand, it encouraged you to do good unto others so that you also get paid back in the same way.

The concept of ‘Karma’ is being increasingly known and understood in the West as well. There is a lot more interest in reincarnation and how the deeds in one life impacts the present or future lives. On the other hand, in India, with education and exposure to science and the Western culture, there is no longer a blind belief in the operation of the ‘Karma’ concept particularly in urban areas. With passage of time, crimes have increased manifold. We find evils such as dowry deaths and crimes against women including gang rapes increasing in the country.

Politicians have become more blatant in using muscle power, money power and horse trading for wresting and retaining power. Corporates today exhibit excessive greed in making profits with even CSR★ being used as a branding mechanism to project themselves rather than for paying back to the society that facilitated and contributed to their growth.

If the concept of ‘Karma’ is understood in the right spirit and people educated as to its implications on life, we could still use it to encourage citizens to live a life of virtue with focus on ethics and the welfare of all beings. “Do unto others what you would like to be done unto you” would be a natural maxim to live by, when ‘Karma’ is understood in its true and beneficial form.

★CSR: Corporate Social Responsibility