THE THREE DEADLY SINS OF KARMA (C)

“We are all in the same boat in a stormy sea and we owe each other a terrible loyalty.” G.K. Chesterton

MERCY

 

Being compassionate and having empathy is not only healthful (bumps up the immure system) but also good karma.

“The way you see people is the way you treat them, and the way you treat them is what they become.” Goethe 

 

Do not refrain from not judging at all but rather attempt not to judge harshly but to judge favorably. 

Reality usually follows its description. Hence it is ever changing and is perceived differently by different people.

 

Sweetening of the Judgments

The Ancestors teach us to; sweeten our judgments.

It is difficult not to judge – better to discern and discriminate with kinder words such as, he is different, she is intense or a bit odd ...  and to judge the action and not the person.

“Judge of me tenderly.” Emily Dickenson

 

“Mercy to the point of recalling only the good qualities of our tormentor.

Remembering them in the innocence of their infancy.
Mercy beyond the letter of the law …” Cordovero

 

“Great are the righteous for they transform judgment into compassion.” Genesis Raba 

 

The danger is not to enable others by letting them off the hook. We need to inform, enlighten and/or correct gently with compassion, especially to those who are close to us. 

When it comes to our loved ones, friends and colleagues ...

 Of love be a little more careful!

Never judge in a condemnatory way, never with disavowing and lack of love.

You must support emotionally without condoning.

Whether its about judging or forgiving ourselves or others, consider:

"An eye for and eye can make the whole world blind." Gandhi

Jesus taught to turn the other cheek which we may also mean, walk away, do not make a stand or carry a flag especially around someone whose opinion is unalterable. It can also mean walking away from toxic emotions delivered by another rather than ineffectively coming up against them. We should try to respond positively if at all possible. If we respond negatively we inherit their energy and give away our power. 

Sometimes it's better to be effective rather than right.

It’s not about them it’s about you. Give compassion. Imagine them changing for the better. 

Make of your opponent a dance partner.

However, if harm is being done then it may be appropriate to consider 

... an eye for an eye...

 "And a man who injures his countryman – as he has done, so it shall be done to him; fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. 

Just as another person has received injury from him, so it will be given to him." Leviticus

Forgiveness

Holding a grudge is not only bad karma but unhealthful. We need to take that albatross off our necks and stop being at war with our grievances and grudges, no matter how hard it may be. 

"I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield down by the riverside, ain't gonna study war no more." 

African American spiritual song.

“Return” is the key – not in the sense of repentance but rather joyously turning from doubt, suspicion and indifference to trust, hope and love.

 

Repent with joy (what we have done to our Selves and to others.)
Forgive with joy (what others have done to us.)
You are returning to your-Self and are back on the path.

 

“Why do the ancient masters esteem the Tao? Because being one with the Tao, when you seek you find, when you make a mistake you are forgiven. That is why everyone loves it.” 

Lao-Tsu

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