DO our past lives shape our present experiences?
This question frequently emerges, with many people attributing their current challenges to past karma.
Spiritual traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism propose that today’s circumstances are shaped by our past actions, thoughts, and intentions, collectively known as karma.
This principle of cause and effect ex- tends beyond a single lifetime, influencing each one in turn.
Karma is the principle of cause and effect, an energy shaped by our actions, thoughts, and intentions. It can carry over across lifetimes, impacting each one, and should not be dismissed as mere superstition.
We must be mindful of how we conduct ourselves daily because good actions generate positive karma, often favourable out- comes, while harmful actions produce negative karma, potentially resulting in challenging circumstances.
I feel honoured to have attended and learned several teachings on karma from the 14th Dalai Lama at his monastery in Dharamsala, India.
He explained that karma plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences and out- comes in Buddhism.
Karma, he said, reflects the moral causality inherent in every action, thought, or intention. Actions driven by negative emotions like anger, hatred, ill intentions, and revenge have negative consequences, while actions rooted in compassion and selflessness yield positive results.
Yet, the Dalai Lama emphasised that karma is not a matter of philosophical determinism. While past karma influences our present, each person has the freedom and responsibility to create positive karma now, which can shape future experiences.
Can we escape from our past life karma?
Yes, there is hope. By cultivating mind- fulness, compassion, and decent conduct, people can lessen the impact of past negative karma and enhance their circum- stances and spiritual growth.
In his teachings, the Dalai Lama also encourages self-compassion during difficult times, viewing these moments as opportunities for growth and learning.
This perspective aligns with the Buddhist belief in change and the potential for transformation through awareness and intentional action.
Karma should not be viewed as a punishment or reward; instead, it is a natural law of balance.
In a way, karma teaches responsibility by reflecting the energy we put into the world back into our lives, whether in this lifetime or the future.
Every individual carries the effects of past karma, though the degree and nature of its influence vary for each person.
Every person’s present life is shaped by unique karmic imprints accumulated from past actions, thoughts, and intentions.
However, the impact of past karma can manifest differently, depending on factors like one’s current actions, choices, and spiritual practices.
Can our past karma affect our children?
Yes, according to many spiritual traditions, past karma can indeed have an im- pact not only on the individual but also on their family, including their children.
In Hinduism, the idea of family duty and karma suggests that karma can influence a family’s lineage.
This means that ancestors’ actions, virtues, and vices may affect subsequent generations.
For instance, the merits (good karma) accumulated by parents through righteous actions can provide positive opportunities or protection for their children.
Equally, negative actions or unresolved karma can manifest as family members face challenges or obstacles.
While each individual is ultimately re- sponsible for their karma, the interconnectedness of families means that the actions and karma of parents can influence their children’s lives.
We must resolve past karma by developing a conscious and compassionate approach to life.
This will allow us to transform our experiences and free ourselves from past pat- terns.
To resolve past karma, we should adopt practices such as cultivating mindfulness to avoid impulsive reactions, embracing forgiveness, focusing on acts of kindness, engaging in selfless service, living a truth- ful life, maintaining consistent spiritual practices, and seeking guidance from spiritual mentors.
l Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestsellers Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, WhatsApp 019-2728464. He can be reached at drtselvas@gmail.com or Facebook: Vasthu Sastra