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148
KARMA - THE MECHANISM
SUTRAS
The purpose of our existence is to assist and help others (see Tattvarthasutra, chapter 5, sutra 21). 7
Interaction with other beings is a fundamental characteristic of our life. Shaping this contact so that no new karma is bound is highly important for our progress towards the ultimate.freedom. This sutra describes how to interact with other humans without attaching new karma to our interactive karmic field: - Forgiving (others and ourselves) any real or imagined injustices or mistakes releases our attachment to past events that cannot be changed anyway. Forgiveness also stops emotions like revenge, jealousy etc. from binding new karma of the same type. - Giving up pride, disdain and arrogance removes barriers between ourselves and others.
The viewpoints and opinions of others offer insight into wisdom and skills we could not (yet) gain ourselves.
Pride, disdain and arrogance reject the knowledge of others. Pride, disdain and arrogance are always caused by the fear that the viewpoints of others may endanger or violate the validity of our own position. Yet this kind of rejection is not based on better arguments, but solely on the projection of negative energy (aggression, unwillingness etc.). Pride, disdain and arrogance are always and only expressions of insecurity.
It is almost impossible to soften or change a position that is defended by pride and arrogance. Our basic unwillingness to consider other points of view removes us from the cooperation with other beings and thereby blocks all our further development. Giving up pride etc. prevents and removes this block.
7 The Sanskrit word dharma in the sutra indicates a far more comprehen
sive meaning than its common understanding. dharma is generally interpreted as 'duty', 'virtue' or 'moral law'. Yet these interpretations are far too narrow for the content of this sutra.
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