Karma – The Great Equalizer
If there is anything that I desperately hope is true, it isn't God. Rather, the concept of karma. Many of us believe in it perhaps as a way to console ourselves with regards to unfortunate situation that are beyond our control. On the other hand, it only makes sense to subscribe to it because it seems to be the universal balance keeper.
Karma. What is karma?
According to the dictionary, it is “the cosmic principle according to which each person is rewarded or punished in one incarnation according to that person's deeds in the previous incarnation.”
Karma, it seems, stems largely from religious principles and dogmas (Hindus, help me out here?). It involves living a fair life in order to bid for a better one in the next. Though it seems to refer to reincarnation and such, the more modern concept of it conveys the same theme as the Bible's Golden Rule — “Do unto others what you want to be done unto you.” Similar, yes?
The universe has its own mechanism where it imposes natural balance upon itself. There is the good and the bad, black and white, heaven and hell — the yin ang yang of life. It is said that for every misdeed that we commit, it will come back to bite off our behinds at an aggravated degree. There is justice and there is fairness.
I cannot seem to agree more.
If it were up to me, I would like to be the one to inflict justice in my own life. I wish that I can have matters in my own hands whenever I get wronged or taken advantage of. However, life isn't as rosy as such. I don't think it's entirely possible to think clearly — more so think of justice — when one is ridden in rage and anger over an incident. Various people deal with obnoxious emotions differently and these people also act differently in certain situations. It will be an unfair system if people lived in my ideal world. Most importantly, who are we to decide what kind of justice the wrongdoer must receive?
To believe in karma is to award the divine with the task of maintaining moral equilibrium on earth — or in the universe. Believing in it allows me to pick myself up after a messy fall, to dust my hands quickly against each other, and still hold my head up high with a smirk. It comforts me greatly knowing that I need not lift a finger in order for some people to experience the vileness that they inflict on others. It is all taken cared of.
Karma keeps us humble. Knowing and acknowledging its power keeps us in check because ultimately, our actions are a reflection of ourselves.
There have been many occassions that I have been duped and toyed with — in all aspects of the words. And just like everyone else, as I would presume, I wish nothing short of misery and pain for those people who have engineered the scenario, no matter how big or small. I can be completely high strung and vengeful (as a matter of fact, isn't that part of being a Scorio? *wink*) and my emotions can get the best of me sometimes. If I act upon any of them, I will probably end up doing something I would regret for eternity (I already have some regrets as it is). My only option is to leave it to the professionals — to those up there controlling the karma switchboard.
Unfortunately, patience is greatly needed in this whole karma game. It isn't up to us when the shit will hit the fan for the other side. We only see the smaller picture, but karma sees the larger one and will know where it will hurt the most for them. We can do nothing but wait until that moment emerges — and one can only hope that he or she will be present to witness this sweetest thing called revenge.
We are not entitled to play God. We are not God. Even if someone doesn't believe in God or any kind of god, it is still not up to him or her to take control and ensure that justice will be served for every fault held against them. If we follow the karmic school of thought, doing so will only entail a bigger blow against one's self in the form of higher karma. It's one vicious circle that we wouldn't want to get trapped in.
God has given man free will. Whether or not someone decides to choose evil rather than good is his or her choice entirely. However, the consequences can be pretty dire and there really is no way of knowing when the ax will fall. That, I believe, is God's greatest disclaimer.
Whilst we wait for all the pieces of the universe to all fall into place, we can always resort to swearing, yeah? It's harmless and it's therapeutic. Then we sit back and enjoy the ride.
And if you're anything like me, I would be hoping the worst for that person.
(I can so totally feel the gates of hell opening up for me now)