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KARMA - THE MECHANISM
SUTRAS
initiate action that distinctly reduces the amount of karmic molecules in our interactive karmic field.
Yet any such action will only produce permanent results if we - intellectually or intuitively - understand the karmic mechanisms we want to get rid of. The formal repetition of mantras, mindlessly performing religious rituals, the handling of magic symbols etc. - i.e. the use of techniques whose mechanisms are not entirely clear to us, - can never effectively reduce our attachment to the themes of life (karma) that limit our consciousness.2
1 This means to actually experience how inner and outer barriers dis
solve, how our awareness suddenly shifts to levels of superior understanding, how our actions get more powerful and bring more of what we really desire, how our life becomes more fascinating, how inner freedom opens up and last not least - how we begin to sense more advanced dimensions of our consciousness.
Only this perceptible, direct feedback tells us that we really dissolved karmic attachments. 2 This does not mean that these techniques serve no purpose. They usually are first probing attempts to explore the world beyond material limits. Yet these first inquisitive endeavors need to be followed by more aware and intelligent steps to bring lasting results.
The widespread belief in the effectiveness of 'spiritual techniques' is quite misleading. All such techniques are essentially mere quantitative repetitions - mantras, prayers, yoga postures, rituals, cleansings etc. - all are to be repeated a specific number of times, for a fixed period or at recurring intervals. And many have the idea that the more regular and thorough they perform their technique, the faster their progress.
We tend to look upon our technique like a vending machine. We insert our mantra or prayer or yoga-posture in the money-slot and pull enlightenment out of the drawer at the bottom. After we finished the technique, we usually are through with our 'spiritual action for the day and continue our life in much the old fashion. Yet the belief that this might be effective is a naïve delusion born out of our current fascination with technology.
Real inner development does not work that way. Real inner growth is always and only an increase in quality. It is a sweeping breakthrough to higher stages, a boost of our capacities based on more insight, superior understanding, more intelligent behavior and greater command of life. It is never produced by any however well-intentioned, but mind
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