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86
KARMA - THE MECHANISM
SUTRAS
- the belief that this world cannot be influenced by activity
in time, space, matter etc. - the belief that higher dimensions of life can neither be
proven nor be totally ruled out - the belief that a moral and disciplined way of life and self
less service to society constitutes the entire spiritual di
mension of life (e.g. much of modern day Christianity). Our tendency to remain in this state of delusion, error and flawed concepts (even though we are offered opportunities to end this state).
This usually manifests in form of apathy or laziness. Though we have some (temporary) insight into the true functioning of this world and also feel an impulse to examine our habitual behavior or to try out new types of action, we are too lazy, complacent and set in our accustomed ways to follow this impulse. This tendency also manifests as - a general indifference whether our actions hurt other beings or
restrict their joy of life, or - an unchecked attachment to sense pleasures. Carelessness in action, speech and thinking - expresses basic indifference towards the mechanisms that prolong our chain of incarnations (see 'ATTRACTION TO KARMA', sutra 5). It obstructs inner growth because we regard any improvement of our present state of existence as unimportant.
Inner growth, insight and more advanced stages of development become only accessible when we commit the best of our attention, energy and abilities towards this goal.
Carelessness towards other beings or objects always also indicates a lack of respect towards our own life. Unchecked negative emotions - senselessly waste our life's energy on rage (anger), arrogance (pride), deception or greed.
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