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| Karma is Responsibility, not Blame |
By Krishna Dharma dasa
The world seems to be having its share of human tragedy lately. For those sadly involved the question 'Why me'
is so often asked. Vaishnavism includes the doctrine of karma. But for too many that seems like an insensitive
answer that simply adds guilt to the pain already felt. 'It's your own fault, it’s 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 that we make too often 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 realizing 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."
TOP
The world seems to be having its share of human tragedy lately. For those sadly involved the question 'Why me'
is so often asked. Vaishnavism includes the doctrine of karma. But for too many that seems like an insensitive
answer that simply adds guilt to the pain already felt. 'It's your own fault, it’s 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 that we make too often 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 realizing 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."
TOP
