Most of us believe in some sort of karma, but what is it really? Karma is nothing more than residue from past and present attachments. Attachments develop when we attempt to get energy from somewhere other than our own essence. We never need to “get” energy; we have an unending source of this good stuff within us all the time. But when we’re upset, angry or anxious we can’t feel this inner pool of peace and vitality, so we frantically try to capture it from somewhere else.
Common ways we seek energy when we can’t feel our own is through other people (via emotional outbursts), or by over-consuming a comforting substance, or through a habitual or addictive behavior.
Take someone who’s in a relationship and has a habit of becoming explosive. Each time they give in to the impulse to explode in order to capture some energy, they forcefully infuse the situation with some of their own energy and try to capture it back through the rage. This is the same dynamic as trying to feed one’s spirit by drinking too much, or chasing one’s spirit by eating too much. All these behaviors do is provide a short burst of diluted and distorted energy while creating an attachment – voila – karma.
The karma either keeps you tethered to the unsavory behavior or it is slowly burned off each time your higher will overrides the impulse to seek immediate energy outside yourself.
Once we override karmic impulses to the point of them being fully integrated, we are at zero karma. This is the place where your higher self effortlessly directs you in a way that leads to inner peace, well being and the highest good for all. Being at zero karma is the true meaning of a “free spirit.”
What is dictating your behaviors? Is it karma or your highest self? Is your spirit bound or free? If, like most of us, you sense that you are bound in some areas, simply make the decision to move toward freedom. Slowly but surely (with some slip-ups for sure) you will integrate your attachments and arrive at zero karma.
Hi Kimberly,
“Slowly but surely (with some slip-ups for sure) you will integrate your attachments and arrive at zero karma.”
It sounds easy when you say it that way… but, how exactly do we, “override karmic impulses to the point of them being fully integrated” in your words?
I have been working on the above with Meher Baba since 1986, and I have doubts that a 3 hour morning workshop will provide such integration, although it would be a great start. You are a great leader.
Have you read his Discourses, the section Reincarnation and Karma? I think he has some insight into these issues:
http://www.discoursesbymeherbaba.org/v3-51.php
Love and peace, and Om,
Laurent
Good thoughts Laurent. I do not plan on addressing the deep and philosophical issue of zero karma in my personal energy managment workshop.. You’re right – 3 hours would not be enough! I believe that through impeccable honesty with ourselves we can use awareness to reign in lower impulses – whatever they may be – and act from a place of neutrality. It takes time as you well know:)
Blessings,
Kimberly
You said, “I believe that through impeccable honesty with ourselves we can use awareness to reign in lower impulses – whatever they may be – and act from a place of neutrality.”
I agree with reign in our lower impulses, as Baba has also said:
“Keep your mind quiet, steady and firm. Do not submit to desires, but try to control them. One who cannot restrain his tongue cannot restrain his mind; one who cannot restrain his mind cannot restrain his action; one who cannot restrain his actions cannot restrain himself; and one who cannot restrain himself cannot attain his real Infinite Self.”
But I don’t understand what you mean by: “act from a place of neutrality.” Are you suggesting a place untainted, or uninfluenced by impressions (sanskaras) and Karma?
If so, how does that look and feel? Do you act from that place?
Love and peace, and Om,
Laurent
Laurent – I would say that a place of neutrality is a place devoid of attachments. In other words when the ego is neutralized and spirit acts on behalf of the whole. It feels neutral, which is why I chose that word.
Blessings,
Kim