Is this life in a
nutshell? Is The Golden Rule/Karma the simplest manner to explain nearly all
the World’s faiths? Is this the reason why the “me first” way of life is
generally looked down upon in nearly every society today. And not only today
but throughout history? This simple “rule” is really quite expansive, as it
covers the basics of human interaction.
Not only is the Golden
rule/Karma between me and anyone I meet, it also extends to how I treat someone,
anyone, in need and as to how I am treated when I am in need. The return on my
kindness may not be immediate, it may not even happen in this life. It may not
come until I have become debilitated, incapacitated, and/or feeble, but it will
come. I believe in The Golden Rule/Karma.
Karma will pat you on the
back or kick you in the rear. And it’s all dependent on you. How you treat
others is Karma’s motivation. I think it is because of my belief in The Golden
Rule/Karma that I’m not a vindictive person. I don’t feel the motivation to
“get” someone, or to “get back at” anyone. And yes I’ve had the occasion to
feel I should or could do just that. It’ll happen, even if I don’t see it
happen, or know it happened. Or, speaking eternally, that it may happen in the
next life.
This doesn’t mean that I
haven’t had The Golden Rule/Karma kick me a few times. I’ve been on the not so
nice end of life. I’m not proud of it, but it’s a fact of life, and I
acknowledge it and live with it. I do my best to live The Golden Rule, and I
admit, I’m still learning. Yes, I believe in The Golden Rule and Karma. They
are one and the same. Different traditions, but very much the same.
There’s the Golden Rule,
“Do to others as you would have them do
to you.” And then there’s the evil twin, “Do unto others before they do unto you.” We all have our choices to
make, and the freedom to accept or reject the good or pernicious. And yes, they
both can be accepted and/or rejected. Each with its rewards or penalties.
To accept the good is to
move forward, looking ahead with a positive attitude, kindness, graciousness, charity,
respect, forgiveness, acceptance, and tolerance. The Golden Rule/Karma will
follow this trail. To reject the good is to move forward taking advantage of
the less wily, knowledgeable, the weak, old and ill. The Golden Rule/Karma will
follow this trail also. This is to live a life while looking over your shoulder.
Always wondering when Karma’s steel-toed boot is going to leave its mark.
Sounds like a tough way to live, certainly not a peaceful way.
So, take your pick, make
your choice. Lend a helping hand or slap one away. Just remember, this is your
hand you are offering, or your hand you are slapping. This is your future,
perhaps soon or perhaps in eternity,…….. Your eternity.
The Golden Rule/Karma, pay it
forward
Scripture is from the NABRE:
Mat. 7; 12a. Do to others whatever you would have
them do to you.
Also Luke 6:31. Do to others as you would have
them do to you.
