Archive for September 18th, 2009

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

When we practice Karma Yoga, we become aware of our actions. Yet, many people think non-action or non-doing is irrelevant to the karmic equation. Additionally, a fair number of people do not think before they speak. If we become mindful of our thoughts, the words we say will be blended with intelligence and compassion.

Let’s briefly cover the relationship between non-doing and karma. There seems to be an opinion that laziness is fine. Rather than act on situations, some of us go about life sitting back, while others take responsibility for us. When we are children, we have adults to take responsibility for us.

However, responsible adults, who participate in non-action during critical moments, tend to leave friends, family, and community unprotected in the worst of times. A classic example of non-action can also be observed in parenting.

If my son plays with fire, should I let him learn for himself? The results of this example of non-action could turn into a forest fire. There are times when right action is required for the good of the greater community around us.

Getting back to the relationship between our words and karma – if I become a cruel parent, my words will be imprinted in the minds and hearts of my children, even after I pass away. At the same time, if I praise them with kind words for wrong doing, I could create a band of criminals.

So far, I have only mentioned the effect of words on children. Yet, we know that carefully measured praise can lead countries to do right or wrong. It usually takes a great orator to incite a country to start a war. If words mean nothing, Hitler would not have risen to power, and World War II would never have happened.

The words we say should be filled with positive energy. Even if we have to correct our child, our words should ultimately create positive emotions, thoughts, and actions. This same principle applies to all of our relationships.

With all this said, Karma is much more complicated than most of us realize. Karma Yoga is a discipline of action. Selfless service and giving to charity, gets the most credit; but our small actions, non-actions, thoughts, and what we say, all have a part in it as well.

Although it requires constant self-discipline, our words should be mindful at all times. This one distinguishing attribute deserves as much credit as selfless service and giving to charity, because we shape the world around us with our thoughts, words, and deeds.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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