MenoSundays; Life Lived Lovingly

Recently, some very interesting comments were made on the "karma as action" quote. Karma is one of those words that has been adopted into English and somewhat mutated. 

Not entirely: it is true that karma reflects how we have lived our lives, so contained within that is the idea of getting a comeback on behaving badly. It is, though, way more complex than this, so this month, I am going to focus on providing you with a more detailed understanding of karma and how we all live it, regardless of our philosophical base. 

Action is the insignia of life. Man cannot live without actions. Actions by themselves are neither good nor bad. It is the intentions behind them which make them such. For example, when a doctor performs surgery, it is not called assault with grievous bodily harm, even though sharp implements are used, and the body is slit open. It is being done to improve health.  All undertakings in life may be categorised per the triguna (three qualities), depending upon the intentions behind them.

Sattvic; proper and deep thought behind an action makes it a sattvic undertaking. One thinks about the goal that engenders the action and the consequences and/or results that may ensue. One also thinks about the time, effort, cost and so on. Sattvic thinking enables strong prioritising and setting of clear goals. There is also a consideration of the effects on others when carrying out the action or what might arise from it. There is a strong assessment as to whether any given action is a worthy one or, indeed, worthwhile (i.e., is it sufficiently noble or even worth our investment of time, etc.). "Plan out your work, and then work out your plan!" After planning well, when all one's energies are focused on one's actions, it is more likely to be efficient and successful. What is more, if variations and hurdles arise, one is better equipped to deal with them - as our planning ought to contain 'contingency'. The benefits of sattvic action are often sustainable and long-lasting.

Rajasic; incomplete and distracted thinking makes an undertaking rajasic. Actions based on immature or hurried thinking, half-baked plans or overly sentimental promptings often fall short in terms of purpose and fulfilment. Having too many goals (multitasking) is likely to result in a lesser standard of completion...the term 'jack of all trades and master of none' was made for such as this! Improper thinking, procrastination, disorganisation, and stress… all arise in rajasic action. Undoubtedly, things will get done, but often without appropriate satisfaction, and the benefits will likely be short-term.

Tamasic; rash, whimsical, indiscriminate, impulsive...these are words often associated with tamasic action. The term 'act in haste and repent at leisure' would apply here. Often, tamasic action is driven almost purely by strong emotion, logic having left the building! There is rarely any positive result for such a situation.  There may be immediate gratification, but this is followed by more immediate need, and cycles of guilt, regret, and misery are created.

The aim of life is to always live in the space of sattvic. However, we are all flawed to a degree and thus will all experience some rajasic or tamasic times. Striving for the best is something we can all do. Embrace capital 'ell' Love!