To live for others. To love others as yourself.
2006-09-24 20:50:17
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answer #1
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answered by R S 4
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The concept of karma is much maligned and misunderstood. As an ancient theory that is more about living a balanced life than fatalism or retribution, it deserves another look. A compilation of essays on the subject by prominent thinkers from the world over says that karma is a dynamic and creative process that produces order out of chaos incessantly and is essentially a harmonizer to continually restore cosmic balance
The term 'karma' regularly pops up in movies, comic strips, TV soaps, and, of course, in the conversations of ordinary people. But as a concept it remains misunderstood, if not misused, despite a wealth of material on the subject. In mass consciousness, karma conjures up a variety of images ranging from a rigid law of merciless retribution to deterministic fatalism that leaves no room for human free will. Intellectuals denounce karma as a doctrine created to justify social inequalities like the Hindu caste system, and as an excuse to shrink from creative engagement with life. Does karma as a theory deserve such denouncement?
That we live in an interconnected, interdependent universe in which all things everywhere exist in a complex and dynamic web of interrelationships, is fast gaining acceptance in philosophical and scientific circles. This is in tune with the underlying essence of the karma doctrine. Further, this emerging holistic paradigm paves the way for the accommodation of karma in the modern world-view. Eastern and western scholars, psychologists, astrologers, economists and open-minded scientists are already studying karma and its implications in the light of new insights.
Karma is both simple and complex, with many subtleties that are frequently overlooked. Its fundamental aspect is its balancing role in nature. It is believed that imbalance exists between the individual and the world until all karmic consequences are met. Karma can then be seen as the harmonizer that restores balance. The karmic law is thus more organic than deterministic.
In the book Karma… Shirley Nicholson points out that karma is multidimensional, rather than linear or rigid. Karma as a direct relationship between cause and effect is too simplistic. Everything affects everything else here. In The Secret Doctrine Blavatsky does not see karma as a mechanical 'eye for an eye' law. She sees karma continuously restoring the harmonious state of the cosmos whenever it is disturbed. She calls it "the source, origin and fount of all the laws which exist throughout Nature".
Human beings are responsible for their actions, resulting in personal karma. Karma and reincarnation are inseparable. Karma is the force that impels reincarnation. The hypothesis is that in any one life we sow the seeds of the personality of the next incarnation. Strands of our individual karma are interwoven with those of our nation and other groups with which we have strong ties. So our actions do affect all of humanity.
Karma is not fatalism. Our lives are neither absolutely determined nor absolutely free. We live according to a "determined track within whose unformed potentiality lies the opportunity for change and growth", according to Blavatsky. We cannot alter the past. But we can influence the future anytime by pouring in new energies in new directions.
The injustice and inequality prevailing in the world do not make the karmic law a mockery. According to Emerson, all seems governed by the "deep remedial force that underlies all facts". He asserts that even a calamity has in it the seed of some positive transformational benefit, which will be revealed over time. Aldous Huxley reminds us that the karmic equivalence of action and reward is not always obvious and material. "The bad man in prosperity may, unknown to himself, be darkened and corroded with inward rust, while the good man under afflictions may be in the rewarding process of spiritual growth," says Huxley.
KARMA IN WORLD RELIGIONS
Though karma as a concept originated in India, similar ideas can be found in religions and cultures around the world. The Buddhist view of karma, which places foremost importance on compassion and mindfulness, perhaps is the strongest reply to the rationalist argument that karma destroys free will.
Joseph Goldstein says that the Buddha used the term 'karma' specifically referring to volition. It is motivation that determines the karmic fruit. Each mental state that we experience further conditions and strengthens it. So we have the enormous responsibility to become conscious of the intentions behind our actions. If not, we will mindlessly act on unskillful volitions creating future suffering.
2006-09-25 03:47:47
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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My guess... living, loving, figuring out a way to be immortal and carrying on the human race...
Here's a funny take on that question:
http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=706
2006-09-25 03:51:38
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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To live a better life or a life that you dream of. To be independence and be happy!
2006-09-25 05:49:05
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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To become a better person each day..Whether by means of economic standards or spiritual levels.
2006-09-25 03:45:14
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answer #5
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answered by .LoveStoned. 2
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itself being a human
2006-09-25 04:37:31
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answer #6
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answered by enmit 1
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I TNINK TO BE A GOOD HUMAN BEING
2006-09-25 03:52:06
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answer #7
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answered by king 3
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survival.
2006-09-25 03:54:54
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answer #8
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answered by kikilucky2001 1
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happiness is everything.
2006-09-25 03:45:14
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answer #9
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answered by jv637 5
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to eat and not get fat !!!
2006-09-25 03:47:37
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answer #10
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answered by elman411 3
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