When asked about the definition of “Karma,” most people would say it means “You get what you give,” or “You get what you deserve.” And, of course, the ever-popular “Karma’s only a bitch if you are.”
The idea of getting back what you give is a familiar theme, but covers only the first of the 12 Laws of Karma. Newton said, “For every action, there is a reaction.” That’s Karma. Every thought, word, or action we send out into the Universe reflects back onto us in like fashion.
Some people say that the Laws of Karma are a bit mystifying. All that talk about higher consciousness, positive intentions, and Universal connections. Great for philosophical debate, but not readily translatable into our daily lives. Zen guides offer gentle, “Let’s all play nice and learn to love each other” explanations, but I prefer the grass-roots “Knock that crap off and be a decent person” approach.
- The Great Law (aka The Law of Cause and Effect). If you’re a douche husband who cheats on his wife, if you take credit for the good things someone else did, or if you don’t sign up for a annual membership to the ASPCA after watching their TV commercial with Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” playing in the background, you’re going to come back as a mushroom in somebody’s back yard. And they’ll own a tractor mower.
- The Law of Creation. If you can’t figure out why you’re always surrounded by drama, stress, and idiots, it’s more likely created by something you are doing that needs to be addressed before you start working on the apparent stupidity of mankind. We call this “Pick the weeds out of your own garden before you start tending to mine.”
- The Law of Humility. If you’re repeatedly accused of being condescending, entitled, self-absorbed, judgmental, or selfish (or just a total tool when you’re drunk, which is, unfortunately, not an infrequent occurrence), spend your energies working on that. It’ll keep you busy for years.
- The Law of Growth. If you believe that the purpose of life is to have lots of money, fame, or power, and you’re willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen, you might get it, but Karma will come to the party (usually when you least expect it) and bite you on your narcissistic ass.
- The Law of Responsibility. Our parents used to say, “You made your bed. Now lie in it.” Boom. Your four divorces are not entirely the fault of your money-grubbing ex-wives. Your bankruptcy wasn’t caused by someone hacking into your checking account. If you never had time for your children while they were growing up, don’t get pissy when they don’t have time for you when you’re old and lonely.
- The Law of Connection. Karma has a long memory. If you think Karma “forgot” that you’ve been a horrible husband, a disloyal friend, or a stingy employer in the past and that your future is guaranteed to be all unicorns and glitter because you’re just, well, so awesome, take time in the present to watch A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge thought he was all that, too.
- The Law of Focus. You hear that an office co-worker recently bought a expensive house by the lake. Your sister has a designer wardrobe that you covet bad. Your BFF was able to quit her day job and start a mink farm because she’s married to a neurosurgeon who makes a gazillion dollars a year. Your hubs is a plumber, so no mink farm for you. Everyone seems to have more than you, and that’s all you think about. But if you’re busy focusing on what you lack, supply has no room in your life.
- The Law of Abundance. Whether your abundance comes from love, friendship, talents, or money, if you’re unwilling to give back to the Universe or to the people that helped you get there (you didn’t really think you achieved this all by yourself, did you?), the only people at your funeral will be six homeless guys trolling for the free buffet.
- The Law of Here and Now. If you’re spending all your days in the past, reliving your glory days when you were young, hot, and didn’t have a mortgage, a struggling career, or a boomerang kid who’s moved back home “just until he can save some money” (that was four years ago), you’re missing the present moment. If you’re constantly worried about your future (Will I be healthy? Will I be happy? Will I still be married to this jackass?), you’re missing the present moment. Carpe diem, people.
- The Law of Change. If you’re can’t find a “good man” because you keep dating losers with gambling or substance addictions, it’s not what they’re doing that isn’t working for you. It’s what you’re doing. Raise your bar and date the kind of man you want to be with. Your experiences will only change if you do.
- The Law of Patience. You see a luxury car you love but can’t afford. You buy it anyway. Six months later, the thrill has worn off and you still have 54 payments to make. You want to lose 10 pounds, but eating better and exercising take too long, so you hit the drugstore for some “natural” speed that promises to “reduce your appetite and give you lots of energy.” You lose the weight, but haven’t slept for a week and you’re bitchy all the time. This morning, your family left for Hawaii without you. You want to be married, but you’re not in love with the guy you’re dating. He’s persistent, and you don’t want to wait any longer, so you give in. But while you were planning your wedding to a guy you don’t love, your cosmic soul mate began frequenting your favorite Starbucks. He’s now engaged to the barista.
- The Law of Gratitude. If you have a car to drive, a job, food to eat, family and friends who love you, and you aren’t living in a shelter, schlepping all your worldly goods around in a shopping cart you boosted from Safeway, stop whining. Many people can’t be happy because they’re not grateful for what’s in front of them. They’re too busy wishing for more. If you’re not grateful for what you’ve been given, Karma has no problem taking it back and giving to someone who will be.
Namaste.
I’ve got to print this and have it framed!!
Thanks, Nancy! I’m feeling back in the saddle with my writing. It was a fun one to write! :)
Thank you thank you thank you. Wisdom! Word! I love this and subscribe to each of the laws, myself.
You’re welcome, Carol! I try, but it’s not always easy! :)
Preach it, girlfriend! This should be required reading for anyone who’s ever complained about anything, ever. Especially a certain orange-faced presidential contender.
Oh Roxanne, you’re too funny, girl! :)
These are really terrific. I just got into it with someone because they said they watch lots of PBS but don’t donate because of blah, blah, blah crap. When I said that was stealing and it is not expensive with no response I threw out the Karma card. That didn’t budge her either but if she goes to that restaurant I doubt she will get much to eat.
Thanks, Haralee! I’m always amazed when people know they’re screwing somebody and they’re convinced it will never come back to bite them. I guess sometimes we have to learn the hard way! :)
Excellent post! You are appreciated!!!
Thank you, Miki! What a lovely thing to say! :)
AH, so beautiful and so wise….
my manta’s “harm none” and “but for the grace of God go I”
Thank you, Ms. Cate! If we all just subscribed to “Harm none,” world peace could be achieved! :)
These are great, Vikki! #7 resonates with me. I have no patience for those types.
b
Thanks, Barbara! I’m with you. They make me kwazy! :)
I am familiar with all of these laws, but you just explain them so much better, Vikki!
Thanks, Corinne! Sometimes you just have to get to the point, as they say! :)
Very wise words from a very wise woman.
Thank you, Rena! It’s too bad you have to get old before you get wise! :)
Vikki you are a genius and very, very wise. Wish some younger folks would adhere to your advice.
Maybe go teach this in in college or even a high school setting.
Actually, Barb, I’m a slow learner who has made enough goofball mistakes to know what doesn’t work. But I like your spin much better! :)
I already knew all this; the trouble is it took me the better part of a lifetime to learn it. Let’s hope you will have many younger readers who won’t take so long. Another great post Vikki.
Thanks, Bob! Isn’t this where “Youth is wasted on the young” came from? :)
What a clever post. I wish I’d written it – damn it, I’ve just infringed your Law of Focus!
Thank you, Gary! And I won’t tell Karma if you don’t… :)
Much wisdom in this. I just LOVE reading your thoughts.
Thank you, Karen! You put a big smile on my face! :)
Love this post!! I just discovered your blog and may have to spend some quality procrastination hours reading through some more. -Jenn