Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change

Inspirations by Sudhir Krishnan

Question on Karma from Chitra Kaushik:
What determines good or bad karma with respect to interaction between two people? Isn't that subjective?

Dear Chitra,

Karma stands for action, and the fruits of the actions thereof (the results). For the same action of yours that affects someone, the individual responds according the quality of his mind/level of consciousness. You are responsible for your actions alone, not for the reactions of others. The same is true for others as well. How you treat people is your karma. How they react is their karma. Put the other way: How people treat you is their karma, how you react to them is your karma.

Why does it work this way?
An action done with a negative intention (thought of lack/an energy that is less than love) creates a negative impression in our mind. Similarly, an action done with a good impression creates a positive impression in our mind. Impressions thus created condition us to act in a certain way - it becomes part of our nature, and changing it takes significant, conscious effort.The good natured person cannot but help being good. Similarly, the individual who has negative tendencies cannot but be that way. Over time, our conditioning works in the background as part of our subconscious programming, to our advantage or disadvantage, bringing good or bad results according to the programs we have stored in it over time.

What is the takeaway from this?
The intention with which an action is done is the most important factor in determining the future karma. Actions are secondary, intention is primary. If you don't have good (positive) intentions in your mind, if you do not feel peace, love or joy, first stop adding fuel to the fire by acting on your negative intentions, for there lies the seed of bad karma. Strive to get rid of those negative thoughts. Realize that nothing is more important than feeling good. Raise your mind to a higher level of vibration, become free of stress and negative thought, and strive your best to only act from a place of positive intention.

With Love,
Sudhir