'What goes around comes around'..opinions please?

Question

I think this saying 'what goes around comes around' is the greatest load of rubbish. I've seen so many ruthless mean people treat others in a dreadful fashion and yet, they seem to be treated quite well either due to their power, wealth or charm. Often, these 'users or abusers' are very charming people and in this way, manage to get what they want from people. On the other hand, usually the nice naive and good natured people who treat people well are in turn used by others. So therefore, who can believe this crazy saying? I agree, it is good to try to treat people well for the better good of mankind and to avoid suffering but I do not think that this promotes 'future returned good deeds'. I think it is down to chance.

Answer 1

Basically it means, everybody should treat others like they want to be treated. If you make a habit of doing bad things in your life to other people, bad things will eventually happen to you. If you always do good unto others, help anyone you can, always be kind, honest & true, and even though it doesn't seem like it sometimes, that in the end you will be rewarded and they evil doer will be doomed.
Or that's the meaning I have always gotten from that saying.

Answer 2

Karma applies in the next life, the after life and what ever comes when you die....
It isn't supposed to be what you give out you get back immediately.
Its about doing good (for the world in general) to make the world a better, nicer place for everyone... that then feeds back on itself. Making the world a nice place, so that other people might also start to be a bit nicer!!

For me its about having a clear conscience, living up to your own moral code and expectations. I only ever treat people in a way I would want them to treat me. An eye for an eye is pointless. What does that teach or show?

Show by example. Its the only way to evolve. BUT no one would be a wet drip and let people walk all over them! Be assertive by all means. BUT if you respect YOURSELF then you find other people will GIVE you more respect. If you are a wuss and never think anything of yourself you let yourself get walked all over.... You can be respectful with out being a bully. Be assertive. But you do have to apply the same standards to yourself as well.....

Answer 3

I think that the rewards or comeuppance that people get for their good or bad deeds are not necessarily measurable by success. I do believe that people who treat others well and with respect tend to be happier more rounded people and those who are ruthless and uncaring are often deep down very dissatisfied and unhappy.
Having said that I'm a big softie and am kind to people, I wouldn't say no to some material rewards!

Answer 4

Well they don't get to know you and that's the important thing to remember.
Take power in the fact that people who are like this may appear to be having a great time and getting what they want but more often than not they have deep seeded emotional issues like jealousy,insecurity, low self esteem and a superficial lifestyle based on materialism and appearance. People like this are putting on an act for you and you shouldn't believe it.
If the person really thinks that they are king sh*t then understand everyone else probably thinks they're a w*nker too.

Answer 5

Hi DA,

An interesting, but ancient question.

The Buddha's response is given below:

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.136.nymo.html


To paraphrase, Karma, as the Buddha saw it was a multifaceted, complex & dynamic process, a 'Matrix'.

Overly simplistic models can overlook the effect of (distant) past actions, on the present; or of present (more immediate) ones, on the future.

Do consult the discourse link above, is not too long, and very reasonable.

Resolved many of my doubts.

I happen, as a result, to be of the opinion that *generally* good things happen to good people; except in extenuating / mittigating circumstances.

Best Wishes,

i. c.

P. S.

A more general overview of the Buddhist conception of Karma is given at / in...

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.135.than.html

Answer 6

The people who are being ruthless... it will come back around and get them if it hasn't already. Some of them I'm sure are going threw the same things as you are but they don't show it. Some people try and take out there pain on other people in order to make them self's feel better. That's just how life works... and if they are just doing it to be mean, don't worry it will come back around, you watch they will end up being hobos on the streets when they get older :p

Answer 7

i believe what goes around comes around no matter how much u don't see it.yeah ppl treat others based and u may see them in glory in your eyes but what ppl often fail to realize is that not everyone wants the same thing in life.they may not give a damn if certain ppl that you find important gives them the light of day its their pretentious ways anyway. but where it really counts they do suffer and i do believe what goes around comes around and it always occurs at the perfect times. i think u just need patience wait for it to come. u may see instances where it would be nice to see them fall but nah when it actually does happen you'll get true satisfaction. don't let anybody change u for the worst.its better that u do good and let it come back to u and allow them their skeletons. it always follows u. keep that in mind. when u find out their story u will be nothing short of surprised.

Answer 8

Maybe you just get what you ask for! If you let people use you then whos fault is that? If you are ruthless and nasty and the only reason people take notice of you is because they are hangers on or are scared, who loses out?

Answer 9

I think people want to believe what goes around comes around. It makes it easier to get past negative people, thinking they will eventually get what they deserve.
Unfortunately, life just is. Some people don't ever get what they deserve (good or bad), and that's a shame.

Answer 10

I believe in the saying as it says i do think what goes around comes back eventually usaully at the point you dont expect it.
Not everyone may see it, and you may be the only one who truly knows it when it does!