Theos-Talk Archives (November 1998 Message tt00372)

Nov 20th 1998

Dear Jerry:

If the universal law of Karma is "effect for cause," then it
would be "fair" to the generator of the "cause."  Have you seen
the "Aphorisms on Karma" ?  Also I think that Mr. Judge in THE
OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY  ( Chapter 11 ) and HPB in her KEY TO
THEOSOPHY throughout the book gives reasons for the great Law of
nature that operates to provide a dynamic harmony for us all.
But, I am sure that you are familiar with those books and ideas.

I do not understand your reaction to those words.  Yes, they have
been abused in religions that seek to bind adherents to them by
ignorance and fear - ignorance of the impartiality of nature's
laws, and fear of dying because no true concept of immortality is
taught.  Once that the idea of Karma and Reincarnation are
grasped, the hold of a priesthood vanishes.  Each one becomes his
own priest and works his way to salvation (?) by his own choices.

Putting it in another way, would it not be strange if, without
notice or any introduction, Nature were to suddenly amend or
change the laws of physics and chemistry ?  How could nature,
ourselves, and other beings continue to "live ?"

We are so dependent.  And we have so much to learn about our
environment and our own powers.

Dal

> From: Jerry Schueler
> Sent:	Friday, November 20, 1998 5:47 AM
> Subject: Justic, Fairness, and Karma

>DALLAS
>I use the ideas of "fairness and justice" to indicate the
>impersonality and universality of Karma - it cannot be
>propitiated or swerved from its set course, as I understand it.
>It is the effect of general harmony reacting on disharmony
>(usually caused by human actions that break its laws) in order
to
>restore a dynamic flow of life for all concerned.  It is always
>educative even when most painful, as that causes reflection on
>the "cause of Sorrow" as the Buddha would put it.
>
>Dal


I could be wrong, but I think you are saying words that you
don't understand. What is "fairness?" What is "justice?"
I suspect that we would all answer those questions
differently. Is the Law of Moses' Eye-for-an-Eye justice?
Is it fair? Some say yes and some no. Is the Law of
Jesus' Love-One-Another & Forgiveness etc fair?
Some say yes and some no.  The whole matter of what
is fair and what is just is entirely subjective and can
hardly be universal. I know for a fact that my own
conception of fairness has changed considerably over
the years. On the other hand, I doubt that the Law of
Karma has changed very much over those same years.

I agree totally with the last part of your comment above,
which omits (rightly) any concern with ethics or morals.
I agree that karma is a balance, but the balance itself
sees nothing right or wrong, only we humans see it that
way. Karma itself has nothing to do with morals, but we
humans tend to see it that way. Now, for Christians and
others who believe in an anthropomorphic Creator, universal
justice and fairness are essential as His characteristics.
But when we replace God with Karma, such projections
are no longer necessary. I think most of this desire for
universal justice happens when those who convert come
into Theosophy carrying left-over anthropomorphic
baggage.

Jerry S.