Go to Shiva's Fury: The Story of Fierce Warrior Virabhadra Go to How Ganesha Got His Elephant Head
Go to A Taoist Story of Values and Choices Go to Demons of Ancient Myths
Go to The Myth of Maya and Brahma: A Tantric Creation Story Go to What Exactly is Karma?
Go to Metaphors of Govinda (Krishna): Mind-Tending Go to Dr. King and the Temple of the Kingdom of God
Sometimes when talking to friends of certain tragedies that occur throughout the world, I try to explain the nature of Karma and it's unbiased approach to action/reaction. To some, my explanation is over their heads while others become angry at my supposed "unfeeling" nature. Occasionally my reasoning is rewarded with an appropriate response .... although I try to not expect any reward or "fruits" of my actions. "Our purpose is to act only, without expecting any reward." ... Is that not a quote from the Gita Shari??? Thanks for the article.
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome, Don. And yes, in my opinion, one of the primary messages of the beautiful Bhagavad Gita is for us to practice letting go of expectations regarding the desired outcomes of our actions, though I'd add that in some circumstances, not acting and/or waiting to act, can be a highly skillful choice that is often ignored in philosophical discussions of the Gita's guidance. The Gita also allows for the fact that not all teachings are easily assimilated by all people at all times... there are different paths that "fit" different personal preferences and tendencies, so if your friends can't "get" what you're trying to share with them, I suggest you allow them to find their own way to the truths you're pointing them towards. When they're ready and open to these ideas, they'll hear them in ways that make sense to them and/or figure it out for themselves... or not. IMHO, spiritual paths may involve other people from time-to-time, but the practices become deeply effective and sustainable mostly when we each do the work on ourselves and for ourselves, which ironically shifts how we relate to others in significant ways that are life-affirming and beneficial in the long-run. However, in my experience, these shifts don't feel anything like short-term "rewards," simply new ways to "be" that are more genuine, and as such, they're not always perceived by others who've known us for a long time as "nice." Thus, spiritual development can mean the end of some long-term, unhealthy/unbalanced relationships - an often unexpected "fruit" indeed!
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