Does Karma Exist

[YmirGF]

I agree with this. In the sense of connectivity and causality yes, poor decisions through life have a way of coming back to kick you in the a** later on.

While that is true and often the case, making good decisions can have zero effect. The thing is to keep rolling and not stay down in the mud when we stumble. Failure is GOOD - it's how we learn. And that ain't karma.

 

[Runewolf1973]

While that is true and often the case, making good decisions can have zero effect. The thing is to keep rolling and not stay down in the mud when we stumble. Failure is GOOD - it's how we learn. And that ain't karma.

Good point! I agree. Sometimes bad sh** just happens to good people and it has nothing to do with karma. We just have to kick the mud off and get on with our journey.

 

[LuisDantas]

Not trying to be funny, but isn't the that also a part of Karma? The need for being cautious and learn is as much a part of reality as anything else.

 

[Runewolf1973]

Just an example...

If karma was real, how is it that 200 people in a plane crash could all die all at the same time from the same fate? Did they all have the same karma? I don't think so. How is that even possible?


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[LuisDantas]

Just an example...

If karma was real, how is it that 200 people in a plane crash could all die all at the same time from the same fate? Did they all have the same karma? I don't think so. How is that even possible?


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Clearly, because Karma does not pinpoint individual people.

 

[Runewolf1973]

Clearly, because Karma does not pinpoint individual people.

Hmmm.... I always thought karma was different for every individual. Guess I could have been wrong.

 

[LuisDantas]

Hmmm.... I always thought karma was different for every individual. Guess I could have been wrong.

Many people think of it in that way, IMO wrongly. I do believe in Karma, but I also believe that Karma is literally unable of distinguishing among individuals, and in fact of even recognizing the existence of individuals at all.

 

[NewGuyOnTheBlock]

Many people think of it in that way, IMO wrongly. I do believe in Karma, but I also believe that Karma is literally unable of distinguishing among individuals, and in fact of even recognizing the existence of individuals at all.

It almost sounds like you are saying that Karma is that force that maintains balance? Am I close to understanding how you view "Karma"?

 

[LuisDantas]

It almost sounds like you are saying that Karma is that force that maintains balance? Am I close to understanding how you view "Karma"?

No. I don't view Karma as a force at all, much less one with an intent.

It is just a name, in fact a word meaning "action". Not "consequence", but just "action".

Properly taught (according to me anyway ) it is just a reminder that all the feelings and learning in the world do not change the basic fact that we are responsible for our actions and their consequences, regardless of how much we knew in advance about them.

It is a sobering call, not an assurance of justice.

 

[Knight of Albion]

The Law of Cause and Effect, together with the Law of Love, are the two fundamental laws of the Universe.

Every action will have an equal and opposite reaction, as true in spirituality as it is in physics.

If you plant thistles, do not expect to gather roses. And vice versa.

There are consequences to our actions, for good or ill, as warranted.
Though (in the latter) it is not just about retribution, but teaching as well. A lesson to be learned.
But better to learn from Wisdom than Karma....

 

[Willamena]

Indeed, and that is what several of us (myself included) seem to have a hard time with.

Specifically, how does that apply to people like Hitler, who at least at first glance seem to be acting with full accordance to their beliefs yet in a very un-virtuous manner?

I cannot and do not account for anyone other than myself, as is only possible. I have only my beliefs.

I account for no 'other' in virtuous behavior. Virtuous behavior, like the concept of karma I tied it to, is about me (each of us).

 

[Willamena]

Persoanlly, I think that is rather lame. Charles Manson is a virtuous fellow now? Osama bin Hindin' was virtuous? To me, at least, your definition robs the word virtuous of any real meaning, in the same way that if everyone is special, then in reality, no one is special.

I don't believe that way.

 

[Thruve]

I think all that karma comes down to intent, and when judging the actions of others, unless we decipher the motive/intent (nearly impossible in most situations) and whether something was done innocently/accidently, then where does karma draw the line of whats deserved and what isnt o-o

If someone can answer that question.. then we have our answer if karma does exist.

 

[Willamena]

I think all that karma comes down to intent, and when judging the actions of others, unless we decipher the motive/intent (nearly impossible in most situations) and whether something was done innocently/accidently, then where does karma draw the line of whats deserved and what isnt o-o

If someone can answer that question.. then we have our answer if karma does exist.

A frubal for you.

 

[LuisDantas]

I cannot and do not account for anyone other than myself, as is only possible. I have only my beliefs.

I account for no 'other' in virtuous behavior. Virtuous behavior, like the concept of karma I tied it to, is about me (each of us).

So, one of the consequences of your thinking is that it is pretty much impossible to have any idea of how virtuous anything that you did not personally chose is?

 

[Willamena]

So, one of the consequences of your thinking is that it is pretty much impossible to have any idea of how virtuous anything that you did not personally chose is?

I don't chose virtue. Virtue is my behavior that is in accord with my beliefs.

 

[LuisDantas]

I don't chose virtue. Virtue is my behavior that is in accord with my beliefs.

That is certainly an unusual, and by many accounts including mine useless, definition of virtue.

 

[LuisDantas]

I think all that karma comes down to intent, and when judging the actions of others, unless we decipher the motive/intent (nearly impossible in most situations) and whether something was done innocently/accidently, then where does karma draw the line of whats deserved and what isnt o-o

If someone can answer that question.. then we have our answer if karma does exist.

I don't see how Karma could ever have an intent, or perceive intent. You would have to conceive it as a sentient being or force of some sort for that to be possible.

Besides, there is also the matter of whether intent should be taken in consideration above actual effects and consequences. That is a very questionable and IMO inadvisable premise to take.

 

[Willamena]

That is certainly an unusual, and by many accounts including mine useless, definition of virtue.

Fair enough; but I don't think bringing free will into the picture improves virtue any.

 

[LuisDantas]

Fair enough; but I don't think bringing free will into the picture improves virtue any.

It doesn't. We can still adopt useful definitions of the concept, though.