Karma We Can See

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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 we were going to have a friendly relationship going forward. The next time I saw them, however, they seemed skittish. They didn’t come over to see me, and they appeared agitated when I crossed over into their yard to say hello. What had happened? And then it hit me.


Labrador Retiever


Apparently, our neighbors installed an invisible fence system. Yes, there were marking flags around their yard, but I overlooked them amidst the other flags marking where the internet cable had been installed. The dog was curious enough to see me that first time that they withstood the shock of their indiscretion. However, by returning with him or her across the electrified boundary, I helped solidify in his or her mind that I am associated with pain. Now I fear that they will be forever intimidated by my presence. They may never be able to look at me as a friend.

As such, our brief relationship almost immediately became fraught with negative karma. Very quickly, a pattern of fear, anxiety, and aversion was created, which was precisely the opposite of my intention. I was not aware of any electric fence. I had no idea what the dog was experiencing. I’d performed an action with good intention, but my lack of awareness cause bad karma to result.

Now, if someone tries to tell me that karma is the result of action with intention, with positive intentions yielding good karma and negative intentions yielding bad karma, I will recall that, quite to the contrary, bad karma can result from good intentions or even no intention at all. I needn’t rely on some theory, concept, or learned definition. I’ve seen what is true with my very own eyes.

Which brings me back to Karma of a Nation. Our world is often too complex for us to understand the ramifications of our actions. So often we do things without knowing what the long-term impact will be. We rarely intend to cause harm. More often than not, we’re just trying to live our lives as best we can. But harm often results, nonetheless. Bad karma results, nonetheless. And that is why the onus is on us to act with as much awareness as we can.

 


Images

Labrador Retriever by Yercaud-elango via:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Labrador-5-chandra_hotel-yercaud-salem-India.JPG


Copyright 2026 by Mark Robert Frank


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