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Karma

 

Karma is the restoring of the balance in the relationships that are affected by your actions. ~Rozelle Pilling 2009~

 

What do you understand Karma to be?

 

The common statement is - what goes around comes around - that what you do to others will be done unto you, etc. 

 

Generally, I would agree with these statements.  However, could it not be that you are rewarded for how you impact people's lives (positive or negative)?  In my experience, I have seen karma unfold in the most humbling ways. 

 

I will tell you a story (names and places have been changed).

 

There once was a man, he was the sheriff of the county.  He was a very UNkind man, who felt it was his right to demand that which he wanted.  He was very powerful in his position.  Whatever he wanted, he took from others, without considering their feelings.  The impact he had on the community was that of an angry ogre.  People feared him.  People felt intimidated by him, they knew there was no point in challenging him.  When he came around and made demands of any nature, generally, his demands were met with speed.

 

Then one day a traveller entered the county.  He knew of the Sherriff and his ways, but this traveller had an agenda of his own.  He too was of such a nature that he just took what he wanted.  He was a common thief who travelled from place to place, taking riches for his benefit.  This traveller had heard that the Sherriff was well endowed with riches and planned to rob the Sherriff.

 

One day the Sherriff opened the door and there was the traveller.  With weapon in hand, brought the Sherriff to his knees, demanded that he hand over the riches, then promptly shot him, wounding him in the neck.

 

The Sherriff was fortunate to be found by a neighbour who had heard the commotion.  He was rushed off to the hospital, touching death's door, the doctors were able to save his life, however, this sheriff was rendered a quadriplegic.

 

Rendered completely helpless and dependent,   Here he found himself completely powerless.  He now was at the mercy of all those upon whom he had inflicted pain and fear.

 

Some may say that the karma is that he was shot.

Some may say that karma would have been for him to die.

Some may say that the karma was that he was robbed.

 

I believe that all the above is true, however, for me, the true karma is in the healing of the relationships he once had with others.  The balance of power is restored.  Experiencing what it is like to be the one who lives in fear, the one who needs others.  Having his power stripped away from him.  Being rendered completely helpless. 

 

In my short life, I have experienced karma in both positive and negative ways.  The common denominator in my observations of karma has been, not necessarily the basic, what comes around goes around the scenario. 

 

Karma is the restoring of the balance in the relationships that are affected by your actions