The concept of karma and its boomerang effect?

Question

Karma is a boomerang. You know it's going to strike sooner or later. But sometimes the cycle of punishments/rewards functions according to its own chronological rules and the boomerang effect is slowed down. Can this offer the individual a chance to change his/her standing point, change the previous action that determined the boomerang effect in the first place by altering it with other actions? Balance negativity with ulterior positivity? In other words, does karma forgive or do actions remain imprinted on each individual's CV?

Answer 1

I can see your concern about the timing of the result of each karma.

Karma is not any one act or deed. It is the way we lead our lives. Our future depends on how we conduct our lives. Hindu religion teaches us to conduct ourselves well towards ourselves and others - as that will bring wellbeing to all. Just the same as "treat others as you want them to treat you"

As for the timing - it is clear that there are many factors involved - the legal system for example.


Besides, I think there are two sets of Karma.
One is our own direct actions - the inner circle. Other is the karma of all that is around us - the outer circle.
Both interact to create the final destiny that effects our lives.
You can say that you give the magnitude and direction to the boomerang but then there is the wind factor and other obstacles that can change its obvious effect.

So the real solution lies in every body acting right and doing the "good Karma". That's why we should join only the good clubs and join forces to act when we see any injustice around us.

EnJoy

Answer 2

Boomerang Effect Meaning

Answer 3

Anyone who believes in 'karma' will find evidence to support it. They will also ignore evidence to the contrary. In the belief that karma is true or exists, they will even go about creating it.

The concept of karma is a false sense of responsibility for the actions of others and the processes of the universe. You did not cause me to answer. I chose to log onto the computer. I chose to type and write my thoughts on this subject. It was merely the way events unfolded. You could claim some responsibility that this is due to some past action on your part, but I am fairly confident that I was in control of my mind and my body when *I decided* to click on the link to your question.

Answer 4

This theory of being 'forgiven' cannot be 'used' as a trick to escape the 'boomerang' effect, however intensely tried.
For example, if we hold the end of an elastic string (rubber band like), and throw the object tied to its other end, it comes back due to the reversal of elasticity. Something similar happens when we are 'attached' to a thought, deed, etc in that 'karma' theory. When our acceptance becomes deep enough, we dissolve to a relative extent(proportionately), and render ourselves less available to the impact of the boomerang effect.

Answer 5

I have heard Karma described as another way of saying 'habit'. I think this is about right. Habitual ways of dealing with the world do keep us in the same orbit, and we do more of the same as a result. My experience is that there are things that I have done which, yes, get me that 'boomerang' to the back of the neck, but very often if I am actively trying to change that aspect of myself, then something happens first of all to really challenge my determination to change - often things get worse initially - and then if I keep my determination going, my life changes. Not easy at all, and I really think that one needs a spiritual practice that goes beyond thinking to act as a support.

Answer 6

Karma is all about learning lessons and reaching enlightenment.
There are 3 karmas.
The past karma that you are paying (learning) for in the present.
The present karma of today of which you are making for the next lifetime.
The future karma which was made from the previous karma.
It's all about learning and becoming an evolved human being.

Answer 7

hmmm...like all the other answerers said that there is no rewards/punishment functions in karma cycle. Its a cycle, a complete circle. you are bound to get bad effects for bad deeds...and there is really no escape, but in order to "balance" that negativity, one should do good and be good. because you will also get the good effects, from those deeds. so that when you are in the circle bad effects, your good and loyal friends, family, people around you(all from doing good deeds) will help you to deal with them. that's how i understand the karma cycle. One Good deed suppresses the effects of many many bad deeds. :)

Answer 8

Karma is not a reward and punishment system but rather the total sum of the good and bad deeds you've done. On that note, that means the good balances out the evil like you asked. See http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma .

Answer 9

Karma is an Hindu concept. It is very misunderstood in the west. The concept of reward/punishment, as you apply it here, is very Judeo-Christian. You will not find it used that way in Eastern religions.
You could think of your Karma as a certain way of being. As you accumulate actions, you become identified with those actions. If those actions are bad, they will ultimately have bad effects on you as well. But as the Buddha pointed out, one of the great tragedies of existence is that we are not often conscious of those things which affect us.
Take a rude, aggressive, drunken person, for example. Such a person will often find themselves at odds with others and with authority. They may end up being victims of violence. This aggression is a reaction to their behavior. But the average drunk does not realize that and usually can't understand why they are being victimized. I am not saying the people responding to that person's behavior with violence are correct, but that is their own issue to deal with.
So Gautama's solution was to develop calm, detachment. For only when we are calm and detached can we begin to see ourselves and our actions for what they are and can hope to change them for the better.

Answer 10

Karma is only for those who believe in karma. Buddha himself said that karma only effects those who are trapped in the cycle of samsara. Samsara is just a fancy way to say world of experiences. If you are no longer concerned with the 'happenings' of the system and culture then you are no longer trapped. For those who live outside of the cycle there is no karma. The cycle of samsara is a belief system.