Dealing with Karma in our Minds, and the Minds of Others

Although we create our own karma, which results in ingrained concepts in our mind and limits our view, making us a little neurotic (make that ‘very’ 😉 ), we can also consciously or unconsciously create karma in others, by trying to stir them up.

We are all experts in neurolinguistic programming: “No, your bum doesn’t look big in that…any chance of a cup of tea?” This is mild manipulation, but still it’s a desire for selfish gain.

On a more insidious level, when we are trying to provoke someone and disturb their mind and break their inner peace, from a spiritual point of view we are committing an evil act. We have a great responsibility when communicating with others – for our own mind’s sake as well as theirs – as we are constantly reinvesting in our misperception memory bank.

There are many levels at work here. First, we have to be aware that our present reactions were created from our past reactions, and our future reaction will be created by our present reactions, if we do not halt this chain reaction.

Personally I have my old ‘Tony’ reactions, my Dharma reactions, a wish to emulate a compassionate bodhisattva reactions, and concern for a beneficial rebirth reactions*. Each has an effect on my sense of stillness and clarity.

We are not perfect. However, recognising this fact is perfect, as gradually we refine our reactions. The path to enlightenment is dropping all our reactions, although we still need a little ego – a mere I – to function as a human.

Compassion (working for the benefit of others) is our safety net and guide. It takes ‘me’ out of the picture. Devotion has the same effect.

*Concern for a better rebirth, is an important factor in our actions. At least we do not want to build up elements less conducive to Dharma practice, where we only concerned with being eaten!