Tattva Bodha - Post 34

AGAMI KARMA

Arrows in Hand 

  

The arrows in hand are the most important: The arrows that are in our hands today are the ones that we currently have a choice about where to aim and how to shoot. The arrows and choices in our hands today are called "Kriyamana Karma" (also called "Agami Karma" or "Vartamana Karma").

Becoming more aware: To be aware of the nature of wants, wishes, desires, attractions or aversions is very important. By being aware of our motivations, we can consciously shoot the arrows by choice, rather than unconscious habit. 

Pure, colorless arrows: The actions which we take up

with discrimination are the pure color less arrows which can be well aimed, well shot and which will give us the desired results. Such well aimed arrows will result mostly in positive results, with positive impressions of such arrows shot, stored in our quiver as white arrows, which will get us more and more positive character and more and more motivation to shoot such arrows again in our  future births.

Letting the Stray Arrows Fall 

Reducing the In-flight arrows: When we start improving our aim, and thus creating fewer attachments and aversions, we also have to deal with the arrows that are already in flight.

Some of these in-flight arrows are painful, some are pleasurable. Whether bringing pain or pleasure, the consequences of these previously shot arrows continues to come, until those arrows find their final destination and completion. 

A simple process: There is a simple process to reducing the in-flight arrows: 

We allow the arrows to fall where they are headed, accepting that some of them were poorly aimed. Past decisions are bringing current consequences. We accept these consequences and their responsibilities, as we stay focused on the arrows in hand. We allow the old arrows to run their course in such a way that we don't add more negative consequences to come. 

Being kind to ourselves: The solution is to be very kind with ourselves, as we cultivate persistence and patience. We may want spiritual energy, grace, or shakti to come to us, yet one of the first forms of that comes as determination. To have, cultivate, or pray for such determination is an essential practice on the journey to Self-Realization. 

1.    Becoming a good Archer in making useful decisions, developing determination, and practicing patience, form a powerful combination.

2.  Then, the number and intensity of off-course arrows of Karma gradually goes down, as the numbers that are on-target increases. 

3.  Gradually our karmic focus shifts, as we move more and more towards a greater integration of mind, and reduction of samskaras.

4.  Then our meditations and contemplations can progress more smoothly and quickly on the Journey Within. 

Through these new arrows, you are deciding your future karmas: Now comes the most important thing to be learnt, contemplated and taken-in in the entire Karma learning.

Love.