It needs but a thought. Not even a deed. Just a notion and karma will take it to the bank. It waits, gathering interest over the years. Then, one day, without warning…smack! The little shit whacks you upside the head. That’s just for thinking it!
For actually doing it, you get promoted. That’s correct, a promotion, And it comes with a raise! Better still, it’s more like you get…elevated. We’re talking the proverbial pointed boot right square up the ass and believe me, that’s good for at least three feet north-west. In my case, Karma always waits for me to hit bottom before sneaking into town to cash my check. It takes a second and a half. In and out. I feel the whack and realize that once again, I’ve been boinked and left holding the bag. Karma’s big bite marks never go away, either. In my case they last years. And years. Like tattoos. I’ll die with them.
The worst, though, is when karma wants to make a bold statement and looks for payback in a huge way. I’ll be tying my shoe laces when it materializes and goes for a 52 yard field goal against the wind! Over the years Mr. K and I have teamed up for quite a few three-pointers and several really long punts when it’s really pissed at me. Often, I hit the crossbar then bounce between the posts for the score. Karma doesn’t miss.
“Karma is not punishment or retribution but simply an extended expression or consequence of natural acts,” according to Wikipedia. It is a universal principle of cause and effect. Notice the word “extended.” But, we are now getting into belief systems and that is a much larger subject suitable only for books, never mind a blog post. Still, to bleed into the story just a tiny part of my own world view, I think to myself, what a wonderful… (where did that come from?) I am the deliverer of my karma. Furthermore, in my opinion, all karma is negative. At least mine sure is.
But not all karma lasts forever. There are some consequences that are quick and to the point. That would pertain to “instant karma“, but not quite like the instant karma of John Lennon’s famous song.
I like to think of instant karma as practice. Like when I was a pre-teen and sassed my mother. I learned not to linger in the kitchen. Too many times she caught up to me and kicked my butt. Hard. Then, she wouldn’t talk to me for days, but still woke me up at 7:26 a.m. to listen to Earl Nightingale impart his words of wisdom on the radio. He’s the one who said something to the effect that “if you think it, it will happen.” But you see, karma doesn’t make it happen. You do. Karma simply waits for you to do all the hard work then shows up and takes a jack hammer to your dream. Instant karma, on the other hand, lets you get used to its big sibling’s bite. It readies you for when you think or do something really evil, or just contrary to the rules on the rock, most notably (if you’re not a murderer or adulterer) the second commandment which can− if you are really high on yourself, perhaps even narcissistic − involve pride. Vanity is also one of the seven deadly sins. It’s certainly been a major player in my game. Well, actually they all have.
I used to think I was sooo tall.
Ha! Did you think I was really going to tell you what I thought? What I did?
You first.
“all karma is negative”—I wonder if this is true or if it’s just the negative payback we notice more. Maybe we gloss right over the positive, not always recognizing it when it comes.
Falun Gong, a higher level of Buddhism, apparently views all karma as bad. I believe (and believe is a bit more powerful a word than I’d like to use) that karma can be bad or good, but we probably do recognize the negative payback, or at least attribute bad luck to karma. It has been my experience, although limited, that people suffering through the death of a loved one search in karma’s direction (or in their God’s) pleading to know “Why not me?” or “What did I/he/she do to deserve this?” Good luck, on the other hand, if bountiful enough – like a miracle – is often attributed to God when the hat could easily have been tipped in karma’s direction. I think you have come up with the key to this question, and that would be “recognition” .
You have this gratifying ability to reveal wisdom that can make me heave a sigh of relief – inasmuch as having grasped some thing I haven’t really thought of before.
Someone like me doesn’t espouse materially on the authenticity of the Law of Karma as a reality of life although I’ve seen everywhere how the Good has been rewarded and the Bad perish accordingly.
The outcome: I admit to being more cautious with my actions out of my cognizance of Karma – just to play safe, I guess.
Deep and remarkable, this post I do like. Thank you, Paul.
Still, you’ve got to tell us what you thought and what you did. Hah. 🙂
O.M.G! You haven’t thought about karma? You’re a very smart young woman, Marj, and I expect you grasp the concept of anything you come upon the first time around. Who really thinks about karma on an ongoing basis besides me? But I write about ketchup! Please take anything this pseudo expert writes about with a grain of sea salt (it’s supposed to be better for you than the ordinary stuff) because he’s just having fun. If we are more cautious with out actions, it’s more because of our morality than fear of karma. Or, of course, the fear of getting caught. And you ask what did I do or think? I could write a book. But YOU FIRST!
LOL. Me first? I’ve been doling them out in morsels or sometimes in huge portions in my blog – I’m sure you’ve noticed.
I’ve also thought a lot about karma. Believe me. As strongly as I do about ketchup. 🙂
Seriously, what I actually meant up there was I couldn’t get enough of your profound sagacity because your brand of wisdom is the kind that never fails to soothe my mind. That is why I love hanging around here. So I may find comfort through your words.
Pseudo-expert, you say? Naah, you’re the real thing, Paul. And I ain’t kidding this time.
Alright, I’ll wait for the book then. But blog here you must as often as you can, ok? Love loved this post.
Now you’re embarrassing me. Sagacity? Back to the dictionary. More like audacity. But you sure do make writing these blogs worth it. Thank you!
Truer words have never been blogged!
I don’t know about that. I did a lot of traveling a few years back and I know what you tell us is true. Thanks for the reply!
Great post, Paul.
Thank, Allan! I appreciate your reading the post.
I know how you feel, HW. Still, I couldn’t help enjoying this entire post, especially sentences like this: “Karma always waits for me to hit bottom before sneaking into town to cash my check.”
I’d love to have a debate someday — you and me against a few of those glassy-eyed positive thinkers.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Charles. A debate sounds like fun, but you’d be doing most of the work. I’m not so quick on my feet. I do admit to being a cynic, though hopefully in a good way. I could certainly egg you on. Perhaps over a glass of Zabaglione?
I only drink that stuff once every forty years.
I never think of it as Karma, but rather as the Universe teaching me a lesson, when I say or do stupid things, and think of myself as better than….yes the Universe has knocked me down a few pegs…..but the Universe has also taken care of me at my most vulnerable and for that I am truly grateful. Thank you for visiting my blog!
You are welcome. I think that karma can be good or bad. We just call it different things, you and I.
agreed
Oh, He Who I believe what comes around, goes around. That’s my definition of karma. Instant karma happens when your angel is looking out for you! Maybe you have some points saved up for those instant karma moments. Karma always seems a little superstitious, but generally I feel I need to treat people like I want to be treated. That hopefully will bring me nothing but good karma. That’s my hope anyway! I hope you have some coming your way.
Thank you! I try and treat people like I want to be treated, too. It’s the little mean thoughts that I keep to myself which seem to deliver the bad stuff. I have the feeling that the good things I do add up far less quickly, however. No, not murderous or “sick” thoughts. Just a little vanity here and there always comes back to bite me. Weird? I guess. I may have to write a blog about it.Anyways, thanks for the visit and the good wishes. Back at ya!.
Karma… It’s what you fervently believe in when people have been acting so egregiously and getting away with it.
Karma… It’s what you hope doesn’t exist when you’ve been acting so egregiously and getting away with it ;D
Great post.
Thank you! And for the great explanations, too. For me it’s mostly a “fervent hope” in both cases.
Ha ha! This post is great! Yes, my friend, I know exactly what you are saying! In fact, there is nothing I fear more than karma! I have seen it bite both me and others in the ass with incredible swiftness. I yearn to tread lightly around karma, as I would a large horse with huge teeth and heavy hooves. But alas, I am a human being, so my ego and stupidity overwhelms me, and I blow it! My blessed streak is over! Aaargh. As others do, I feel the almighty burn of karma’s retribution, and then I am left picking up the pieces of my ego. And so goes the cyclical nature of life… *sigh*
I’m glad you liked the post. Thank you! I’m currently facing a monster 100′ karmic wave bearing down on me (I think karma has the wrong guy!!!) and while it should be challenging, I hope I make it to the beach. And thank you so much for the Silva Medal. I’m feeling very flattered.
I’ve heard, and been amused by, the meme: “Karma’s only a bitch if you are.” Although, I have to disagree with it… which leaves the door wide open for the topic of reincarnation. Personally, I prefer the instant kind of Karma. That way it doesn’t come back with compound interest.
Great post, Paul; I enjoyed this very much. And I do hope for you, calmer seas ahead.
Thank you Victoria. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and appreciate your good wishes!
Spot on Paul.
Thanks, Kev. Hope your karma is all good.