Karma and Christ

A brief search for the words Karma and Christianity turns up many opinions of “those in the know”, about why Karma does not fit into the “Christian framework”. Most of these justifications combine the Law of Karma with a whole set of cultural traditions surrounding Hinduism as the Sole meaning of the term, without being able to separate the two.  (Admittedly, this almost always happens when people have a “need” to supply all knowledge to others, but don’t have the time to investigate things outside of a more honest context than a Wikipedia scan for ONE keyword.)

With widespread lack of knowledge over Eastern systems of thought I think it best that I share some of the insights gained from my investigation of Karma.

Firstly, Karma is an Observable fact about correlations between intentions and the experiences of an individual. This observation is neither a positive nor negative statement. It is empty of any permanent reality, as the path from one’s intentions to actions and experiences is changing moment by moment. One’s mental discipline, or lack thereof, plays a key factor in how successful one will be in bringing their best intentions into experience.

Contrary to the inaccurate depiction of the observation by leading Christian authorities, the reality of Karma tells us that at every moment our future experiences, both redeemable and un-redeemable, are rooted in our present and past intentions. “The power of life and death are in the tongue” if you will.

One who has turned toward God, should not contemplate the relationship between intention and action ONLY in the negative connotation. Our disposition toward the Light should allow us to see the benefits of acknowledging this reality, as it is the only way that we may inherit the Kingdom of God. It was by becoming truthful and aligning an intention toward Truth, that brought us to this wondrous life of goodness. When our intentions were, and are, less than perfect we could and DID only experience “the World”of suffering. This is observed by the reality that we must CONTINUE in the faith, or we suffer the life of a backslider. There is no in between, and temptation may hit moment by moment.

Why would anyone question this relationship?  “What you sew, that shall you also reap.” Once again, this is not negative ONLY; the positive acknowledgement of this is the Beginning of Wisdom. The Fruit of the Spirit is CULTIVATED. The seed is SEWN and then, only through intentional Cultivation does it bloom in the outer world. We are told to “work out our own salvation, with fear and trembling.” It is easy for us all to produce more worldliness in our experiences, as ignorance is the root of all destructive thoughts. (“Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”)

The question is did we approach honest intention Once, at salvation ONLY? Or do we, through mindfulness of the inner world nurture the purity that was so apparent once?

All of Christ’s teachings are meant to stress the importance of how intentions rule the realm of our experience. He was dedicated to allowing the compassionate womb of his presence to cultivate insight into the Truth of our intentions. This is the definition of a True Servant.

Peace to you,

Loren