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SUTRAS
THE NATURE OF KARMIC BONDS
negative circumstances. In this case we will remain unable to prevent the renewed occurrence of unpleasant experiences.
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The mechanism is very simple: Whoever sustains the idea that he cannot influence the occurrence of negative events, will easily react with animosity, anger, disappointment etc. at any restriction of his positive feeling of life. Yet this very (passionate) reaction is the root cause for a renewed bond to the same type of (negative) karma.
Any (renewed) passionate reaction only confirms that a certain theme of life has not yet been concluded. It is an indication that we - consciously or subconsciously - want further confrontation with this particular theme. It is not conducive to the solution of this situation if we interpret this mechanism negatively.
When we intentionally promote, enjoy or prolong negative emotions, we also cause new attachment to the same type of karma.
Attempts to ignore disagreeable experiences do not remove the irritation. They may only shift our inevitable confrontation with a particular theme into the future.
If we desire the fundamental conclusion of a theme of life, it helps to react to negative emotions
- by examining in a distanced way whether we only project these emotions onto events, persons or objects that have no direct connection with the dissolution of karma we currently experience
- by reflecting what the real source for these emotions may be, why they are happening, and what would happen if we allow them free reign
- by asking ourselves whether we need to react at all and
- by consciously deciding to follow a different - positive - line of thought or action.
Jain Education International
As a rule of thumb any poised, neutral attitude at the occurrence of negative emotions and experiences assures that we bind no further karma of the same type.
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