Karma We Can See
In Karma of a Nation , I spoke of karma in terms of created patterns of action that play out over time and the positive or negative impacts that might result. I pointed out some of the different ways people think about karma: as a cosmic balance sheet, for instance, or as the result of action done with intention, as simple cause and effect, or as a determiner of one’s subsequent rebirth. It occurred to me the other day, however, that perhaps the best way to understand karma is by paying attention to what we can see with our very own eyes—literally, in real time. New neighbors are engaging in a long process of moving in next door. We haven’t met them, but I have met their dog—a beautiful blonde Labrador Retriever. I got out of the car after arriving home and there he (or she) was. I petted them for a bit, told them how pretty they were, of course, and then led them back to the deck of the house from whence they came. I thought we had a great interaction, and I was feeling pleased that...