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Monday 29th October 2001
Pause for Thought -
Karma: responsibility, not blame
Krishna
Dharma
I did the Pause for Thought again yesterday with Terry Wogan and his
seven million plus faithful listeners. He was very nice (trained as a
Jesuit priest, apparently), introducing me as a Hindu theologian (ahem),
writer and President of the Manchester Hare Krishna Centre. After a little
bit of banter, I delivered the following brief piece:
"The world seems to be having its share of human tragedy lately. For
those sadly involved the question 'Why me' is so often asked. As I'm sure
you know, Hinduism includes the doctrine of karma. But to many that seems
like an insensitive answer that simply adds guilt to the pain already
felt. 'It's your own fault, your karma.'
But karma is not about blame, it is about taking responsibility for our
acts, and accepting the natural consequences. Surely this is the way we
all want to live, free to act as we please, and to get the results. But
some of those results are not what we expect or want. Although we always
aim for happiness, sometimes we suffer.
In my efforts to train my children I teach them that they have choices,
but each choice is accompanied by a certain consequence. I want them to
learn which choices lead to their happiness, and which don't. Obviously,
as their father I love them deeply, and want only what is best for them.
But, as we all know, children are not naturally attracted to the best
things - they require training.
The Bhagavad-gita tells us that God is also training us, his children.
The do's and don'ts of scripture are directions meant for our happiness.
The Lord is not a killjoy, but is simply steering us away from things
he knows will end in pain, just as the loving parent does with his child.
But if we choose to ignore him, then we choose the painful consequence.
To my endless frustration, I find my children choosing the pain of chores
and lost privileges many times before they learn. It seems we too often
make the wrong choices - I know I am always doing it. But gradually I
am learning. By choosing the Lord's directions, as difficult as they may
seem in the beginning, I am realising that the results are always good.
In accepting responsibility for my situation I feel empowered and a sense
of relief, rather than guilt. Sure, I make mistakes, but that's part of
the learning process. And although the pain is sometimes hard to bear,
I always know that the person in control loves me and wants only one thing,
my ultimate happiness." |
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