Or Is Karma inconsistent with Christianity?
Deepak Chopra posts on his web page: Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind . . . what we sow is what we reap. And when we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is happiness and success.
Now that is a wonderful passage, isn’t it?
Chopra Follows with:
I will put the Law of Karma into effect by making a commitment to take the following steps:
1. Today I will witness the choices I make in each moment. And in the mere witnessing of these choices, I will bring them to my conscious awareness. I will know that the best way to prepare for any moment in the future is to be fully conscious in the present.
2. Whenever I make a choice, I will ask myself two questions: “What are the consequences of this choice that I’m making?” and “Will this choice bring fulfillment and happiness to me and also to those who are affected by this choice?”
3. I will then ask my heart for guidance and be guided by its message of comfort or discomfort. If the choice feels comfortable, I will plunge ahead with abandon. If the choice feels uncomfortable, I will pause and see the consequences of my action with my inner vision. This guidance will enable me to make spontaneously correct choices for myself and for all those around me.
A Christian might say #3 a little differently: I will pray to the Lord for guidance…. But this is great stuff, regardless of its origins. So does Karma get in the way of Dagma? No. We have been saying for years, What goes around comes around. As a Christian, I see no conflict with a belief in Karma and the values espoused by Religion. If we are helping people, we are doing a universal good. I know my Pastor has asked us to do acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. When you do a good turn, you feel good. And that has to be healthy.
I highly recommend the movie “Pay it Forward” with Helen Hunt and Kevin Spacey. It is a tear jerker but in a good way.
Excellent article Dean.
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