Four years ago we traveled to Myanmar, formerly Burma. What an education that was–I had no idea we’d be submerged in Buddhism! Our Buddhist guide explained that Karma was basic to his faith. “Karma is the belief that your current station in life is a direct result of the way you lived in a previous life.”
He explained that if a person is suffering in this life, it’s because of some misdeed he did in a previous life; his suffering is how he works out his Karma. If we help that person then we are doing him a disservice, for he will have to return in his next life and suffer again.
The Buddhist people in Myanmar are known for their kindness, patience, long-suffering, contentment with little, suffering in silence and non-complaining. These character traits are to ensure good Karma. Our guide explained that if they don’t do the above this will result in bad Karma and they will have to work to perfect it again in their next life.
Do I believe in Karma? I do not. My life has nothing to do with my activities from a previous life. There is no such teaching in the Bible. This life is it, friends! This life is a test. This current life is the only test.
It’s interesting that many young people in our western culture today claim to believe in Karma. Yet their definition of Karma is simply, “What goes around comes around.” That’s it! They seem unaware of a deeper meaning.
It’s not just Buddhists who embrace Karma. Karma is also a concept of Hinduism. Here is an excellent website I appreciate: http://karma2grace.org/
- Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28
- THE STORY OF A DREAM – by Kathleen
This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
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I enjoy your posts very much. I just felt like I want to share a “light-hearted” use of the word, “karma”… I was not aware of it being connected to any type of past life. I think I’ve always connected it with a behavior in the current life that will come back around and shed light on your behavior to others. I think of it as our Christian value of following “The Golden Rule”, but maybe a bit in reverse. Throughout history, words and phrases take on different meanings and sometimes doesn’t take into consideration, the cultural roots.
Thank you for your comment, Cindy. I believe you’re correct in your assumption that most people in our western culture are unaware of the cultural roots of Karma. Similarly, many young people today have bought in to reincarnation without realizing the Bible teaches no such thing. Both are closely related. Stay tuned…my post coming out on October 9 is on reincarnation!
When you say that “this life is a test!”, you are right on. We should expand on this thought, for I believe that we often do not see how this life matters in regard to eternity. We have been taught, “once saved, always saved!” so that we do not recognize the importance of this “test”.
Keep up the good work, Kathleen. God be with you and your family in a very special way.
Pauline
Thank you Pauline! We are on the same page. I want to pass this test. I know you want to, too!