karma v. grace.?

Question

i used to think that karma and providence were the same thing. [you get rewarded and punished on account of your actions.] but if that's the case, where does grace [free gift regardless of righteousness] come in?
I was reading the Catholic theologian Anselm of Canterbury, and he explained that grace is something that works alongside free will; in fact, grace helps us but does not compel us to do what is right; and in return, by choosing what is right, we get more grace [i think that's what he meant.]
Is it possible to reconcile that with the doctrine of karma?

Answer 1

Grace is always available, the Supreme Personality of Godhead is eternal and unlimited in all respects and qualities, however when we mis-use our free will to engage in activities that are separate from the absolute, then we are subject to the effects of these separated activities by experiencing an equal and opposite experience to that which we have individually created.

So it is imperative for each individual to enquire about the process by which one can become free of the effects of karma or cause and effect and attain that Grace which is a primary source of mercy.

The key question that needs to be asked is what is proper action and what is improper action, how do I connect to that Grace and transcend the reactions of cause and effect, to understand this point it is advisable to seek out a bona-fide spiritual master and enquire.

Here is a contact to enable you to discuss further :-
Sriman Sankarshan Das Adhikari ([e-mail])
www.backtohome.com

Answer 2

First it is important to clarify the meanings. Grace as I have been told is free for the asking. It is a free gift from God without conditions. Karma is simply that all actions will in fact set off a chain of reactions that will spread out till reaching back to you.

So then do both grace and karma help us (but not compel us) to do righteous deeds, even in the presence of free will, in order to obtain more. As far as grace, it is a free gift as stated it has no conditions. It can not be seen as a reward for the righteous; since, the unrighteous are in more need of grace then any. Therefore grace is not a reward and heaped upon those making Godly choices. Karma in it's self is not reward or punishment either. It is very simply that any action (no matter if the mind views it as good or bad) will cause a chain of reactions. Depending on the individuals within the chain the karma will increase, decrease or completely cease. For example you are beaten as a child what action do you take? Do you grow up to beat others? Do you grow up to Kill? Or are you rare and let it end with you absorbing all the karma upon yourself? Therefore, I would say karma works alongside free will. In that, karma makes us stop and think before acting or reacting to every situation. Karma not only makes us responsible for ourselves but also everyone else. It shows the interconnections of all things. But still karma should not be viewed as reward or punishment. And it is important to remember the goal is not to obtain karma but to be free of it.

Answer 3

Hindu Religion is also a time honoured and time tested Religion(more than 6000 years -not 2000 years)-it has 1 Billion followers-Simply rejecting it as "an Eastrn Religious thiought" is not an answer to the question posed.

Hindu Religion un-equivocally says & Hindus beleive it,whether otherss beleive it or not-

Karma are of two types -Benevolent and samaritan(Sat Karma) and Dush Karma(cheating, stealing, murder, rape, treason etc,etc)

"Sin does not affect the the individual Soul(Aathman or Purusha), because Aathman is only a mute witness (Karma Saakshi)and not the performer of Karma.Karma is peformed and affects only the Prakruthi which consists of the Material(Saariric)and Psychic(Manasic-both gross =Sthoolam and subtle=sookshumam body) the Karma superimposes(Adhyaasa) the Aathman.Benevolent and Samaritan actions along with Prayers(without commiting further Sin) mitigates the negative influence of Karma and releases the Aathman from clutches of the vicious creeper of Dush Karma.When aatman is completely free rom Dush Karma effect-if necessary in the lifetime of a few births--,it attains Moksha or Mukthi and identify itself with the Universal /galaxial Spirit(Para Aathma what other Religions call G-O-D=God)

God's Grace ALONE can not completely "free" ( it may mitigate to some extent) the SOULfrom the creepers' bondage of one's Dush Karma

Answer 4

I would like to share my contemplation about karma with you. If you view karma just what you did and what should you deserve on account of your actions, you have the limitation of karma. It is true about the cause and effect of karma concept but if you observe what you did, you will find out that the main cause of action is from your thoughts. The first thought leads to an action or another thought which come up with the next action or the next thought. It is like the chain of cause and effect that is hard to stop. Sometimes you do the good thing because of your good thought but often you do the wrong thing as you cannot stop your bad thought. This is why the religion contribute to help you to handle your thought and finally solve the problem of your mind and actions. This process in my view is called "karma".

Answer 5

Karma vs Grace? I vote Grace

Answer 6

No I do not think grace can be reconcile with the doctrine of karma. As you stated that Karma is you get what you deserve.

Now Grace is just the reverse of that, you do not get what you deserve to get.

In the case of JESUS, HE took you wrongs on HIMSELF so you can be with GOD forever instead of being in hell that all deserve.

As with any gift we need to aspect it.


k1

Answer 7

Grace is a peculialry Christian concept...totally in conflict with the idea of Karma.
Karma implies you get what you deserve.
Grace declares that, for any who are genuinely repentant, there is no limit to the love and forgiveness of God.
Calvary shows the extent of GRACE
God's Riches At Christ's Expense.

I pray that you will discover that amazing grace for yourself.

Answer 8

IDK "Karma" beyond the TV show, "My names Earl".

You are correct. "Grace" helps us but doesn't force us to do what is in "Alignment" with God. Think of grace as playing a video game. The goal of the game is to get to the end, and beat the super villain at the end of each level. Along the way you can collect stuff like 'coins', 'weapons', or 'shields' to help you get to the end and next level. However, you can still biff it and die (even with all the extra stuff you collected) if you're not a skilled player ... So too with grace. You can collect it (& use it) but it doesn't mean you'll get to you final destination --- it does help make the journey that much easier though!!!

BTW ... there are 7 graces bestowed to us by the Holy Spirit.

Answer 9

Karma is an Eastern religious concept. Grace is God's gift of unmerited favor. Your question speaks of a dualism that simply doesn't exist. Read the Bible. Your answers are there.

Answer 10

Grace and karma are two different things.

Karma is about what you do.
Grace is about a gift to you.

~ Eric Putkonen