Karma the Mechanism

SR No.: 006913
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Hermann Kuhn
Publisher: Crosswind Publishing Germany
Total Pages: 244
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Tattvartha Sutra
File Size: 16 MB

Page 53

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KARMA - THE MECHANISM
SUTRAS
Only desiring peace of mind does not produce equanimity. How often in our past did we sincerely wish for more self-control, but did not have it when we needed it most. If we only remember how we feel after an outburst of anger, when the energy of our initial flareup is spent and we begin to see how deeply we hurt others. Then we utterly regret that we succumbed to this strong negative emotion and promise ourselves that next time we will react less violently - only to fall into the same trap when similar conditions trigger our rage again. This very common experience shows that merely 'desiring' equanimity etc. is unable to bring it about.
Certainly, - the sincere wish for a new orientation of life is vital, but to firmly establish a new behavior-pattern we need a second component beyond mere yearning. This second component is our behavior at the particular time when we feel the impulse for any of the actions mentioned in the sutra. When we follow this impulse once it arises, we bring about genuine change within us.
Karma fluctuates in the intensity of its manifestations. We periodically encounter periods when less karma is active and when we consequently are less mesmerized by our activities and our material environment. These periods are experienced as times of peace, calmness, serenity and reflection and are in stark contrast to the more active cycles.
Active periods normally absorb all our attention and energy. Their intensity overshadows our consciousness. They limit our ability to fully control the flow of action and usually also prevent all unattached, distant reflection. The shift from one of these - distinctly differing - periods to the other is one of the basic experiences of human life.
Impulses for compassion, charity, forgiveness, spiritual efforts etc. usually occur in periods of less intense karmic manifestations. Each time we feel e.g. an impulse for compassion - an urge to help others - we are offered a way out of the almost impenetrable, hypnotic veil our emotions and activities weave around us. At this point in time