The words, “Know Thyself” were found inscribed on the walls of the DelphiTemple in the ancient city of Athens, Greece. This inspiring phrase has influenced minds throughout the history of mankind. It accompanies the human soul in its journey on the path to understanding the meaning of life and self-improvement. For centuries, human beings have been trying to understand not only our spiritual world, but also the mysteries of the environment that surrounds us. The search for harmonious coexistence with our environment brings us closer to accepting and understanding the laws of karma.

In the Hindu language the profoundly powerful word KARMA is used to identify this “Law of All Laws” − the “Cause and Effect Law of the Universe.” If we subscribe to the laws of karma, we are open to the possibility that there is no such a thing as a “coincidence.” In reality, coincidence is a predetermined course of synchronistic events.

Everything that happens to us is a result of our ancestors’ actions or the actions of our own souls in previous lives. Theologians and philosophers have been studying these karmic issues for thousands of years, many of which are documented in a host of treatises and monographs (see bibliography). 

KARMA. What is it? What does it mean? What kind of information does it carry? It is the unknown, unseen energy and residue from relationships we have accumulated throughout all our previous lives.

Most of us have actually known many of the people in our present lives in past incarnations. It explains why we are immediately attracted to or comfortable with a complete stranger, why we make strong, unexplainable connections, or why we encounter someone and feel an immediate disturbance. These are all examples of negative or positive past-life relationships. 

These karmic relationships are hard to break, especially if they were established on powerful emotional ties. Enormous energy is spent in establishing links between human souls, and they move from one life to the next as well as from one generation to the other.

Karma can be viewed as a spiritual and material cause-and-effect cycle that leads the human soul through one or more embodiments. Authentic written sources throughout history relate how the actions of people affect their lives, and then reflect on the future rebirthing of their soul and its chain of reincarnations. 

One of the most ancient celebrated sacred writings in the world is The Book of the Dead. The Egyptians honored Universal Spirit and the Divine power within every soul. They believed in life after death. This passage from the book is a glimpse into their knowledge: “How long… have I to live? [Answer:] It is decreed that thou shalt live for millions of millions years. [Osiris:] May it be granted unto me that I pass on unto the holy princes, for indeed, I am doing away with all the wrong which I did, from the time when this earth came into being.”   

Many past and current events can be explained by looking at the actions of a person or a group of people in past lives. Similarly, we could analyze the possibility of the current deeds of a human being influencing the future, including events that may take place after his/her physical death. 

Our actions, thoughts and intentions create our Karma.

Copyright © Rachel Madorsky