Rethinking Karma
Short Form
00:05:55
The common understanding of karma is as a concept tied to the consequences of one's actions, where good deeds lead to positive outcomes and vice versa. Drawing from Hinduism and Buddhism, a deeper reading reveals that the word's meaning lies in the belief of reincarnation and the cycle of rebirth driven by unresolved karma. Contrary to the simplistic notion of good actions attracting favourable circumstances, karma can be seen as a reflection a of deep misunderstanding about the nature of reality. In this context, good karma is defined as actions that release one from the illusion of individuality, while bad karma reinforces a sense of separation. The example of winning the lottery is used to illustrate how an apparent stroke of good fortune may, in fact, be detrimental in perpetuating individualism. Ultimately, this leads to a nuanced reflection on the nature of desires and their alignment with what is genuinely beneficial.