Karma – Creating a Beautiful Destiny
Karma means action. Every thought we create, every word we speak and every action we perform is karma. Karma is not only what we do with our hands; it begins in the mind. A peaceful thought, a kind word, a helpful action – all create positive energy. A negative thought, harsh words or selfish actions create a different kind of energy. Whatever energy we send out into the world eventually returns to us in some form. This return is what we often call our destiny.
Life is not a matter of luck or chance. What comes to me today is connected with what I have created in the past through my thoughts, words and actions. Sometimes we may not understand why a particular situation has come in front of us, or why a person behaves in a certain way. But the law of karma teaches us that nothing is meaningless. Every scene in the drama of life has a lesson hidden within it. When we understand this, we stop blaming others and begin to take responsibility for our own inner world.
The Brahma Kumaris teach that I am a soul, a peaceful being of light, using this body to perform actions. The soul carries impressions, called sanskars, from many actions performed over time. These impressions shape our habits, character and personality. As I act, so I become. If I repeatedly think peacefully, speak sweetly and act with honesty, these qualities become natural in me. If I repeatedly become angry, jealous or careless, those habits also become part of my nature. Therefore, every moment is a chance to create a better self and a better future.
The quality of our karma depends on the quality of our consciousness. When I act with ego, anger, greed or attachment, even a simple action may become heavy. But when I act with love, truth, humility and purity, even an ordinary task becomes elevated. Cooking food, speaking to a family member, doing my work, studying, serving society – all can become good karma when done with a clean heart and peaceful mind.
The first step in creating good karma is to watch my thoughts. Thoughts are like seeds. If I plant seeds of peace, patience and kindness, I will receive fruits of happiness and stability. If I plant seeds of fear, criticism and resentment, I cannot expect to experience peace. My thoughts do not remain only inside me; they create vibrations that reach others. This is why it is important to think well for myself and for everyone around me.
The second step is to speak with awareness. Words have power. A few words of encouragement can give someone hope, while a few careless words can hurt deeply. Before speaking, I can ask myself: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Sweet and respectful words are a beautiful form of charity.
The third step is to act with responsibility. I cannot always control situations or other people, but I can choose my response. If someone is angry, I do not need to return anger. If someone is negative, I do not need to lose my peace. The law of karma reminds me that my response is my creation. I am responsible for the energy I send out.
Meditation gives the soul power to create elevated karma. In Raja Yoga meditation, I connect with God, the Supreme Soul, the Ocean of Peace, Love and Purity. This connection fills the soul with spiritual strength. In God’s remembrance, old negative habits become weaker, and the soul receives the courage to change. God does not punish or reward us; He teaches us the right way to live and gives us power to settle past karma with peace.
To live with the awareness of karma is to live carefully, lovingly and honestly. It means I stop blaming destiny and begin creating it. Each day, I can ask myself: What kind of energy am I giving to the world? Am I creating sorrow or happiness? Am I reacting from ego or responding from wisdom?
When I choose pure thoughts, gentle words and noble actions, I create a beautiful destiny for myself and also help to create a peaceful world. Karma is not something to fear. It is a powerful reminder that I am the creator of my life.
Brahma Kumaris Shailer Park provide free Raja Yoga Meditation, Positive Thinking and Anger Management Courses.
Please contact us on 0414685144 or [email protected] for further information. https://brahmakumaris.org.au and find out the events happening close to your location.
Om Shanti.
—The Brahma Kumaris
